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Lakers Make Official LeBron James Announcement Ahead of Playoff Opener

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sean Deveney | Last updated Apr 18, 2025 7:47 PM ET

On Friday night, the Lakers finally released their official injury report, as required by the league, for Game 1 of their first-round series against the Timberwolves.

As expected, star forward LeBron James is listed on the report. But also as expected, his official designation, per the NBA, is "probable." That means that despite dealing with a persistent groin injury since March, James is about to make more NBA history.

After all, at age 40, James is already the all-time NBA leader in postseason games, at 287. He will play his 288th on Saturday night against Minnesota, one of only four teams he has not seen in the playoffs yet in his career.

James has four NBA championship and is a four-time NBA Finals MVP. In his career, he has averaged 28.4 points, 9.0 rebounds and 7.2 assists in the playoffs. He is one of the rare players who actually puts up better numbers in the postseason than the regular season.

James has averaged 27.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 7.4 assists in his career during the regular season. At this point, he noted, he is just happy to have another chance at the playoffs.

“It’s a blessing,” James said. “I don’t take it for granted to be able to play in the postseason at my age and how many years I’ve played in this game. To be one of 16 teams to go in with this team and know what we’re capable of, all you can do is ask for a chance to be able to compete at the highest level and be able to compete for the ultimate thing.

"And that’s the Larry O’Brien Trophy. You just don’t take it for granted.”

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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