A Season of High Hopes Ends Early
The Los Angeles Lakers’ season came to a crushing halt on Wednesday night as they suffered a 103-96 defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series. The loss sealed a disappointing early exit for a Lakers squad that had championship aspirations just weeks ago.
Despite a late-season surge and the addition of Luka Doncic in a blockbuster trade, the Lakers couldn’t keep pace with a Minnesota team that played with more urgency, grit, and energy throughout the series.
Injuries and Missed Opportunities
Injuries played a key role in the Lakers’ downfall. Luka Doncic, dealing with a lower back issue from a first-half foul, looked visibly limited. LeBron James, fighting through a nagging ankle problem, had trouble moving efficiently in the fourth quarter. Yet, both stars stayed on the court, trying to lead one last charge.
With just over seven minutes left, the Lakers were still in it — trailing by only a couple of points. The arena buzzed with energy as fans hoped for late-game magic from James and Doncic. But that spark never came.
Stars Go Cold in the Clutch
LeBron James and Luka Doncic, two of the best in NBA history at stepping up in elimination games, couldn’t deliver this time. Doncic missed a critical layup. James struggled to find his rhythm. The duo went cold down the stretch, and the Lakers’ offense sputtered when they needed it most.
Even a sentimental gesture — James wearing a shirt featuring Doncic’s name and No. 77, signaling unity — wasn’t enough to ignite a winning effort.
Timberwolves Dominate the Paint
While Minnesota couldn’t hit a three-pointer to save their life — missing 40 in total — they crushed the Lakers on the boards. Rudy Gobert had the game of his playoff career, racking up 27 points and 24 rebounds. He dominated the paint, taking full advantage of the Lakers’ decision to play small-ball without a traditional center.
The Timberwolves’ relentless rebounding led to second-chance opportunities that kept the Lakers from gaining any momentum.
Lakers Fall Short at Home
Playing on their home court, the Lakers had every advantage on paper. But it didn’t show on the court. Even though Minnesota’s top scorer, Anthony Edwards, had a rough night (5-of-19 from the field), the Lakers couldn’t capitalize.
Instead, the Timberwolves silenced Crypto.com Arena with stifling defense and superior execution in the final quarter. It marked the fifth straight game where Minnesota owned the fourth quarter.
Coaching Gamble Backfires
Head coach JJ Redick made a bold move by sticking with Dorian Finney-Smith in the starting lineup and benching center Jaxson Hayes. While the strategy was intended to improve spacing and quickness, it backfired as Gobert ran wild in the paint.
Redick defended his decision before the game and looked visibly frustrated by criticism regarding his rotation choices. But the results were hard to ignore — the Lakers fell behind early and never looked fully in control.
Lakers’ Effort Isn’t Enough
Give credit to Minnesota — they simply played harder. The Timberwolves looked like a team built to expose the Lakers’ weaknesses. Their hustle, physicality, and team cohesion made the difference in a series where the Lakers were supposed to be the favorites.
The Lakers, by contrast, struggled to find rhythm. Even when they made a push in the third quarter to grab the lead, the momentum was short-lived.
Offensive Struggles Continue
Scoring was a problem all series long, and Game 5 was no different. The Lakers mustered just 16 points in the fourth quarter — a brutal end for an offense that showed flashes of brilliance throughout the season.
Doncic led the Lakers with 28 points on 7-of-18 shooting. James added 22 on 9-of-21. But role players like Austin Reaves (12 points, 2-of-10 from three) failed to step up when it mattered most.
A Painful Playoff Trend
This marks the first time the Lakers have lost a first-round playoff series as a No. 3 seed or higher. It’s also their second consecutive first-round exit and drops them to 2-12 in their last three playoff series. The trend is deeply concerning for a franchise that holds itself to championship standards.
Despite acquiring Luka Doncic and boasting one of the league’s best midseason rosters, the team fell short when it mattered. For a team that won the 2020 NBA title, this quick decline is hard to ignore.
What’s Next for the Lakers?
As the offseason begins, the Lakers will face major questions. Can LeBron James continue to carry the load? Will Luka Doncic remain healthy and consistent? Can the supporting cast improve?
Coach JJ Redick will also be under scrutiny. His coaching decisions during the series drew criticism, and this loss will only increase the pressure to deliver next season.
Final Thoughts on the Lakers’ Loss
The Lakers’ loss to the Timberwolves in the first round wasn’t just disappointing — it was defining. It exposed flaws in strategy, roster construction, and execution. It showed that even the best talent can’t win without cohesion, effort, and adaptability.
The 2024-25 season will be crucial. Another failure like this might force major changes in Los Angeles. For now, Lakers fans are left to reflect on what could have been — and wait to see what comes next.