NBA News: Lakers Star's Early Exit Explained By Coach As Playoffs Outlook Turns Grim

KEY POINTS

Lakers coach Frank Vogel explains LeBron James' controversial exit in Game 5
Anthony Davis' clearance to play in Game 6 is left in the hands of the Lakers' medical team
The Lakers face tall odds against the Phoenix Suns in Game 6

The Los Angeles Lakers are in a hole after the Phoenix Suns blew them out in Game 5.

However, the blowout was overshadowed by the curious exit of LeBron James with over five minutes left in the contest.

James' impromptu walkout against the Suns drew social media backlash with some feeling it was a low act leaving his team.

But with Game 5 beyond reach, head coach Frank Vogel explained that the 36-year-old had to leave the match early and start treatment as the club prepares for an all-important Game 6.

“LeBron had to start his treatment. It doesn’t do any good for him to sit over there without getting worked on and beginning the treatment as soon as possible to help him get ready for Game 6,” Vogel said.

It was unclear what treatment James was going to undergo. Most know that he continues to play through a high ankle sprain and is not in 100% condition.

Frank Vogel on LeBron leaving with 5 minutes left in the game: "LeBron had to start his treatment. It doesn’t do any good for him to sit over there without getting worked on & beginning the treatment as soon as possible to help him get ready for GM 6." pic.twitter.com/FA3julerfs
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) June 2, 2021

The explanation does make sense on the part of James. Down 2-3, Los Angeles needs to prepare heavily for Game 6.

Tied to that, the Lakers face tough odds against the Suns. Anthony Davis, who sat out Game 5 due to a strained groin, remains questionable.

In a report from ESPN, Davis bared that he doesn't have the final say if he can play in the Lakers' next outing, adding that a game-time decision will be made by the franchise's medical team.

"Hopefully all the rehab and treatment that I'm doing pays off and the doctors clear me to go," Davis said. "That's what we want. So, getting more treatment tonight, tomorrow and kind of talk to the doctors before the game -- before and after I shoot -- and hopefully everything comes back good where they clear me.”

A loss would not only dash the Lakers’ NBA title-retention hopes but also make them the sixth defending champion to exit the playoffs in the first round.

Depending on his condition, the status of Davis could be detrimental to the chances of the Lakers in Game 6 of the Western Conference first-round series set for Thursday night starting at 10:30 p.m. E.T.