BREAKING: Viral TikTok Video Sparks Fiery Debate On Legitimacy Of LeBron James’ MCL Sprain
A TikTok video of LeBron James enjoying his offseason following an NBA Playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves is making the rounds on social media. The future Hall of Famer was injured in Game 5 of that series, but the recovery process appears to be going well.
The Lakers‘ superstar was seen dancing in that online clip sparking a fiery debate on the legitimacy of his setback. The internet is completely split in its opinion.
Earlier this month, an MRI reportedly revealed a Grade 2 sprain in James’s left knee after he collided with Minnesota guard Donte DiVincenzo. Despite initially subbing out of the contest, he was able to re-enter and finish the game. He was later seen limping while making his way out of the arena.
@houseofhighlights Bron was limping postgame after game 5 🙏 #lebron #nba #nbaplayoffs
James opened up on the injury during a recent podcast appearance with Steve Nash. He said the pain experienced was unlike anything he’d felt as an NBA pro.
“When I woke up Thursday morning and tried to get out of bed, I was like, ‘Holy s—,'” he recalled. “I called the doctor right away. I said, ‘I can’t wait until Friday. I need to go today.'”
He confirmed that a 4-to-6-week recovery timeline was given. That podcast appearance came on May 8th, one week after the initial injury.
Viral video brings LeBron James’ injury into question.
He’s now almost a month removed from the setback, which occurred on April 30th. He seems to be in considerably less pain than he was four weeks ago.
James was spotted dancing in a viral TikTok clip that sparked a debate surrounding the severity of his MCL sprain.
@bleacherreport Glad to see Bron moving around after suffering a Grade 2 MCL sprain 🙏 (Via @Unitedlife4ever) #nba #nbabasketball #basketball #lebron
“Shameless fraud,” one social media user wrote upon seeing the video. “His ‘knee injury’ looks fine to me,” said another.
Some doubt the legitimacy of James’s injury after seeing the clip. They believe it was an overexaggeration in response to a first-round NBA Playoff exit.
James has done himself no favors given his incessant flopping, which drew the ire of basketball fans throughout the postseason. Despite being the most talented player on Planet Earth, he often baits officials into foul calls with unnecessary dramatics. He’s also gone viral on a number of occasions for bending the truth.
Others, however, refused to buy into the conspiracy theory. They believe his recovery timeline aligns perfectly with the video.
“A four-week injury is better after four weeks. I’m shocked,” this follower sarcastically posted. This is most likely the case.
James has had time to rest. Dancing is much less physically demanding than playing 60 minutes of basketball. Still, given his history, NBA fans will take any and every opportunity to call him out.
LeBron James is now looking ahead to the future with his recovery on track. It’s being reported that he’ll likely pick up his player option and spend another season in Los Angeles.
“I’m told he’s likely to opt in. He’s got a player option, about $54 million, $57 million. He’s got a massive player option. That’s likely. That’s the plan. But, again, his option date is June 29th, so he still has about a month to figure that out.”
-Shams Charania
The enticement of teaming back up with Luca Doncic will play a role as will that massive payout. It seems he’ll return to the Lakers for at least one season more in hopes of making a championship run.
The first step in that process is getting healthy. Things appear to be trending in a positive direction.