Edwards also called out Stephen A. Smith, Paul Pierce and all of the other analysts at ESPN who counted out Minnesota in this series. They all had the Lakers coming out of this first-round clash, and Edwards and the Wolves just made them eat their words.

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.

As has been tradition when the Lakers' season ends, James left open the possibility he could retire following their Game 5 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday.