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 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.