Frank Vogel Says LeBron James Left Lakers' Game 5 Loss Early to 'Start His Treatment'

Los Angeles Lakers head coach Frank Vogel addressed LeBron James' early departure from the court during Tuesday's 115-85 loss to the Phoenix Suns in Game 5 of the Western Conference playoffs. 

Vogel told reporters that James went to the locker room with about five minutes remaining in the game "to start his treatment" as he continues to deal with the lingering effects of a sprained ankle. 

James originally sprained his ankle on March 20 against the Atlanta Hawks when Solomon Hill ran into his leg trying to get a loose ball. The 17-time All-Star missed 26 of the Lakers' next 28 games. 

Speaking to reporters after Los Angeles' 109-95 win in Game 3, James said he's still receiving "around the clock" treatment on his ankle. 

Playing without Anthony Davis, who is nursing a groin injury, the Lakers suffered their worst postseason defeat since a 31-point loss against the San Antonio Spurs on April 26, 2013. 

The defending NBA champions are now one loss away from being eliminated from the postseason.

James, who finished Game 5 with 24 points on 9-of-19 shooting, has never lost a first-round series in his career. The four-time NBA MVP is 14-0 in the opening round of the playoffs. 

The last time James found himself on the brink of elimination in the first round was in 2018 with the Cleveland Cavaliers against the Indiana Pacers. The Cavs advanced with a 105-101 win en route to reaching the NBA Finals. 

James and the Lakers will look to keep their season alive when they host the Suns in Game 6 on Thursday at 10:30 p.m. ET.