LeBron James will not be attending this year’s Met Gala, despite widespread speculation and anticipation.
The 40-year-old NBA superstar cited a lingering knee injury as the reason he’ll be absent from fashion’s most glamorous night-leaving his wife, Savannah James, to represent the family solo on the red carpet in New York City.
Following the Lakers‘ shocking first-round playoff elimination by the Minnesota Timberwolves, LeBron exited the court visibly injured and emotionally drained. Diagnosed with a Grade 2 MCL sprain after Game 5, he wrapped the season with a symbolic goodbye-sharing a kiss with Savannah and offering a heartfelt comment to son and teammate Bronny James. The loss not only marked the end of the Lakers’ season but seemingly pushed LeBron into early offseason recovery mode.
Though Savannah has already turned heads with her bold pre-Gala look-earning admiration online and even a swooning comment from her husband-LeBron made it clear he won’t be ascending the iconic Met steps alongside her. In a social media post, he addressed his absence:
“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 as so many people have been asking and congratulating me on! Hate to miss an historical event! My beautiful powerful Queen will be there holding the castle down as she always has done!”
Injury excuse or legitimate absence?
LeBron‘s statement quickly sparked a flurry of reactions-some understanding, others mocking. Critics questioned the timing of the announcement, suggesting he was using the injury to dodge public scrutiny after the Lakers‘ playoff failure.
“So we’re still going with this injury, huh?” one commenter quipped.
“He always has an excuse when he loses. He’s not even hiding it at this point,” wrote another.
Still, many fans came to his defense, offering well-wishes and urging him to rest.
“Get your rest, King. You’ve earned it,” one supporter posted.
Others joked about how unrealistic it would be for LeBron, a towering 6’9″ and currently injured, to navigate the steep Met Gala stairs in the midst of fashion elites. With his size and the formality of the event, fans couldn’t help but imagine the awkward spectacle that might’ve been.
Despite the mixed responses, Savannah will command the spotlight herself-a role she’s no stranger to. And judging by LeBron‘s pride in her presence, it’s a role she’ll handle flawlessly.
For now, LeBron will remain off his feet, recovering and likely watching from afar as his Queen holds court at one of the most exclusive nights in fashion. Injury or not, the King always finds a way to stay part of the conversation.
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