LeBron James Skips Met Gala 2025 with Knee Injury

LeBron James, the NBA superstar who’s as much a family man as a basketball legend, had fans buzzing when he announced he’d miss tonight’s Met Gala, May 5, 2025, due to a knee injury. The Los Angeles Lakers icon, named honorary co-chair for the star-studded fashion event, was set to make his first-ever appearance at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit. But a Grade 2 MCL sprain from the Lakers’ playoff exit last week kept him sidelined, leaving his wife, Savannah James, to shine on the red carpet. Here’s how LeBron’s absence turned heads and sparked support for his recovery.

A Tough Call for a Big Night

LeBron, 40, was poised to steal the show at the Met Gala with his exhibit, themed “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” alongside co-chairs like A$AP Rocky and Lewis Hamilton. His excitement for the event, announced by Vogue in October 2024, had fans hyped for his fashion debut. But on X today, he shared the tough news: “Unfortunately because of my knee injury I sustained at the end of the season I won’t be able to attend the Met Gala in NY tonight,” he posted, adding that Savannah would “hold the castle down.” The injury, a sprain from a collision with Timberwolves’ Donte DiVincenzo in Game 5 on April 30, needs three to five weeks to heal, per USA Today. 

Savannah Steps Up

With LeBron out, Savannah became the night’s star for the James family. Known for her elegance, she was expected to dazzle the red carpet, embodying the theme’s celebration of Black style. “My beautiful powerful Queen will be there,” LeBron said on X. LeBron’s decision to prioritize recovery didn’t dim his support for the event—he collaborated with Pharrell Williams and others on the exhibit, as Page Six noted. His absence, alongside stars like Sarah Jessica Parker, only amplified the buzz around Savannah’s moment.

A Champion’s Resilience

LeBron’s knee sprain, sustained in the Lakers’ 103-96 loss to Minnesota, marked a rough end to a stellar season where he averaged 24.4 points and 8.2 assists, per ESPN. Despite the setback, he’s staying upbeat, focusing on rehab to return stronger for his 22nd NBA season. “Hate to miss an historical event!” he told fans, as BuzzFeed reported, showing his passion for the gala’s cultural impact. X users praised his grit, with one saying, “LeBron’s a champ on and off the court—get well soon!”. His history of bouncing back, like after a 2018 groin injury, has fans confident he’ll be back in no time.

Inspiring Beyond the Gala

LeBron’s absence from the Met Gala, set to start at 6 p.m. ET, didn’t overshadow his influence. His work on the “Superfine” exhibit, celebrating Black dandyism, earned praise for uplifting cultural narratives, per PEOPLE. Fans on X called him “a trailblazer,” with one tweeting, “LeBron’s impact goes way beyond basketball!”. As Savannah represents the family tonight, LeBron’s cheering from afar, proving that even a missed event can’t dim his shine. Here’s to a speedy recovery and a future Met Gala moment that’s sure to be epic.

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