On Christmas Day against the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers superstar small forward LeBron James suffered the worst injury of his career.

James tore his left groin and missed 17 consecutive games. The Lakers, who were in the fourth spot in the Western Conference standings after defeating the Warriors on Christmas, went 6-11 without James and fell out of the playoff race.

As a result, LeBron is missing the playoffs this season for the first time since his second season in the league.

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Lakers News
Los Angeles Lakers center Alex Len (27) defends against Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena.
Lakers rumors: Will LA pursue center they’ve ‘long been fans of’ in free agency?Julian Ojeda ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates after a play against the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter in game six of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena. The Los Angeles Lakers won 106-93 to win the series.
LeBron James drops mic on Lakers’ bubble championship hatersJulian Ojeda ·
Kevon Looney, Al Horford, Steven Adams, and Clint Capela on the Lakers court.
Sources: Lakers’ likeliest strategy to fixing center problemAnthony Irwin ·
Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) makes a block attempt against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) during the first half at Delta Center.
NBA rumors: Lakers insider reveals why trade for Jazz star is unlikelyScotty White ·
Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) of the Milwaukee Bucks defends Western Conference forward LeBron James (23) of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter in the 73rd NBA All Star game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Giannis Antetokounmpo sounds off on LeBron James’ ‘no bag’ mic dropJulian Ojeda ·
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts during the second half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
Lakers’ Luka Doncic seen putting in offseason work in the gymRexwell Villas ·

James played in 55 games this season for the Lakers. The four-time MVP averaged 27.4 points, 8.5 rebounds and 8.3 assists per contest while shooting 51.0 percent from the field, 33.9 percent from beyond the arc and 66.5 percent from the free-throw line.

LeBron recorded 32 double-doubles and eight triple-doubles on the season. The Lakers, however, were only 28-27 with James in the lineup.

This summer will allow The King to rest and recover. Coming into this season, James had played in eight consecutive NBA Finals. Obviously, everyone in Los Angeles wanted the Lakers to make the postseason this year, but it could be a blessing in disguise they're missing it since LeBron will get his first summer off in a long time.

Don't be surprised if James comes back next season and puts up even better numbers than he did this year.