Just hours after the Lakers’ season ended in disappointment, LeBron James was seen out with close friends — relaxed, smiling, and seemingly unbothered.
Following Los Angeles’ 103–96 Game 5 loss to the Timberwolves on April 30 — which sealed a 4–1 first-round series defeat — LeBron was spotted leaving Wally’s in Beverly Hills around 4:00 AM, according to TMZ sources.
Wearing head-to-toe Louis Vuitton, accompanied by longtime agent Rich Paul and Corey Gamble, James left the high-profile restaurant carrying a large water bottle and a lumbar support pillow — just hours removed from suffering a Grade 2 MCL sprain, as later confirmed by MRI.
A Night Out After a Season-Ending Loss
The Lakers’ elimination came after a promising 50–32 regular season that fizzled fast against the Timberwolves’ frontcourt dominance. Rudy Gobert posted 27 points and 24 rebounds in Game 5 — both career playoff highs — and exposed L.A.’s glaring weakness in the paint following the midseason Anthony Davis trade.
Despite LeBron’s 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists, the Lakers once again faltered late, scoring just 16 points in the fourth quarter. The team’s smaller lineup couldn’t hold up physically, and the loss capped a series where Los Angeles was consistently outmatched inside.
Mixed Reactions: Cooling Off or Checked Out?
Some fans viewed LeBron’s demeanor as that of a veteran simply unwinding after another long season — injured, emotionally drained, but decompressing with friends. Others questioned the tone of the moment, especially given the uncertainty surrounding his future, his recent “no comment” on the team’s direction, and his lingering knee injury.
Notably, James had just played through pain — only to be diagnosed the next day with an MCL sprain that would have likely kept him out had the series continued.
What’s Next for LeBron and the Lakers?
LeBron has until June 29 to decide whether to exercise his $52.6 million player option for next season. The front office, meanwhile, must confront hard roster questions — including how to build around Luka Dončić, and whether the LeBron-Luka pairing can work at all.
Pierce, Barkley, and Shaq have all questioned the franchise’s future.
But on Tuesday night, LeBron didn’t seem interested in answering questions — at least not yet.
