The Los Angeles Lakers faced elimination on Wednesday in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The scene shifted to Crypto.com Arena, but the momentum remained with the young and ravenous Timberwolves.

Lakers coach JJ Redick said James’ hip injury typically has a recovery period of 1-2 weeks. James scored 38 points in the Game 3 road loss to the Timberwolves on April 25, exactly two weeks after suffering the injury. He was also sidelined for two weeks from early to mid-March because of a strained left groin.

The Los Angeles Lakers saw their season end Wednesday night after a 103-96 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Round 1 of the NBA Playoffs. Los Angeles entere