**LeBron James and Luka Dončić on the Brink of Elimination as Los Angeles Lakers Lose Game 4 to Minnesota Timberwolves**
In a dramatic Game 4 of the NBA Playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers suffered a narrow 116–113 defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves, placing their postseason hopes in jeopardy. The Timberwolves now lead the series 3–1, leaving the Lakers and their star duo, LeBron James and Luka Dončić, facing elimination in the upcoming Game 5. ([Lakers’ JJ Redick rips officials over no-call on ‘blatant trip’ of Luka Doncic in brutal Game 4 loss]
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### **Anthony Edwards’ Stellar Performance**
Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards delivered a sensational performance, scoring 43 points, grabbing nine rebounds, and dishing out six assists. His clutch shots in the final moments, including a critical three-point play by Jaden McDaniels and two late free throws by Edwards himself, sealed the Timberwolves’ victory. Edwards’ offensive prowess overshadowed the efforts of the Lakers’ star players, highlighting the Timberwolves’ depth and resilience. ([Torrid Anthony Edwards paces Timberwolves over Lakers]
### **Lakers’ Late-Game Struggles**
Despite entering the fourth quarter with a ten-point lead, the Lakers faltered in the final minutes. They were outscored 32–19, with stagnant offense and ineffective shooting contributing to the collapse. LeBron James, who had been instrumental throughout the game, failed to score in the fourth quarter, raising concerns about his performance under pressure. ([3 takeaways from Lakers Game 4 loss vs. Wolves]
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### **Coaching Decisions Under Scrutiny**
Lakers head coach J.J. Redick’s decision to play only five players—LeBron James, Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Dorian Finney-Smith—for the entire second half marked a historic coaching move. This strategy, while bold, led to fatigue among the players and limited bench utilization, which the Timberwolves exploited. Redick admitted that the approach was not premeditated but was made at halftime due to the game’s flow. ([JJ Redick just made the type of history no NBA coach wants to make]
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### **Luka Dončić’s Accountability**
Luka Dončić, who returned from illness to score 38 points, took responsibility for the loss, stating, “That game is on me.” He acknowledged his struggles in the fourth quarter and expressed a commitment to improve in the next game. Despite his individual performance, Dončić’s accountability reflects his leadership and determination to help his team succeed. ([Torrid Anthony Edwards paces Timberwolves over Lakers]
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### **Looking Ahead to Game 5**
The Lakers now face a must-win situation in Game 5 at Crypto.com Arena. With their backs against the wall, they must address their late-game execution, manage player fatigue, and capitalize on their home-court advantage to extend the series. The outcome of the next game will be pivotal in determining whether LeBron James and Luka Dončić can lead the Lakers to a comeback or if the Timberwolves will close out the series. ([Lakers’ JJ Redick rips officials over no-call on ‘blatant trip’ of Luka Doncic in brutal Game 4 loss]
The Los Angeles Lakers’ Game 4 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves puts them on the brink of elimination. According to recent reports, the Timberwolves won Game 4 with a score of 116-113.
Current Series Standings
– *Minnesota Timberwolves lead the series 3-1* against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Upcoming Games
The Lakers will play the Timberwolves in Game 5 on May 1, 2025, at the (link unavailable) Arena in Los Angeles. If necessary, Game 6 will be held on May 3, 2025, at the Target Center in Minneapolis, and Game 7 would be on May 5, 2025, back at the
Luka Doncic’s Performance
Luka Doncic has been averaging 27.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 7.8 assists in his time with the Lakers. Despite a slow start, Doncic has stabilized his form, averaging 32.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 6.8 assists over his last four games.
LeBron James and Luka Doncic Partnership
LeBron James and Luka Doncic’s partnership is still getting into rhythm. James has been mentoring Doncic, encouraging him to “fit out” instead of trying to fit in, allowing Doncic to play to his strengths. Doncic has expressed admiration for James, saying playing with him is “a dream come true” ¹ ².
In a high-stakes Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, both LeBron James and Luka Dončić found themselves on the brink of elimination as their respective teams suffered narrow defeats. The Los Angeles Lakers fell 116–113 to the Minnesota Timberwolves, while the Dallas Mavericks lost 105–100 to the same opponent, leaving both teams facing a 3–1 series deficit.
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## Lakers vs. Timberwolves: A Game of Inches
The Lakers entered Game 4 with hopes of evening the series at 2–2, but a combination of strategic missteps and individual performances left them with a daunting task ahead. Head coach J.J. Redick made a historic decision by playing five players—the starting lineup plus Dorian Finney-Smith—the entire second half. This marked the first time since play-by-play tracking began that a coach used only five players for an entire half in a playoff game. While the strategy aimed to maximize the team’s best players, it led to fatigue and limited bench contributions, which Minnesota exploited in the final moments. ([JJ Redick just made the type of history no NBA coach wants to make]
[3 takeaways from Lakers Game 4 loss vs. Wolves]
LeBron James and Luka Dončić both logged 46 minutes, but their efforts fell short in the closing stages. James, who had been instrumental in the Lakers’ previous victories, struggled in the fourth quarter, failing to score and missing crucial opportunities. Dončić, despite his resilience, couldn’t overcome the Timberwolves’ defense, particularly from Anthony Edwards, who delivered a standout performance with 43 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. ([JJ Redick just made the type of history no NBA coach wants to make]
[Lakers’ JJ Redick rips officials over no-call on ‘blatant trip’ of Luka Doncic in brutal Game 4 loss]
The Lakers’ inability to execute in the clutch and manage player fatigue has cast doubt on their championship aspirations. With Game 5 looming, adjustments in strategy and player rotation will be critical to avoid an early exit from the playoffs.
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## Mavericks’ Struggles: A Missed Opportunity
Meanwhile, the Mavericks faced a similar fate, unable to close out the Timberwolves despite a valiant effort. Luka Dončić, who had been a force throughout the series, took responsibility for the loss, citing a lack of energy and focus. “That game is on me,” Dončić admitted, acknowledging his inefficient shooting and defensive lapses. ([Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving take blame for Mavs’ loss to Wolves – ESPN]
Kyrie Irving, who had been exceptional in previous games, also struggled, contributing only 16 points on 6-of-18 shooting. Despite their combined efforts, the Mavericks couldn’t overcome the Timberwolves’ resilience. Derrick Jones Jr. emphasized the team’s collective responsibility, stating, “It’s not on them, it’s on us as a team. We are a unit.”
The Mavericks now face the challenge of regrouping and finding ways to close out the series at home. With the Timberwolves gaining momentum, Dallas must address their inconsistencies and execute better in critical moments to avoid a series upset. ([Luka Doncic Blames Himself For Mavericks Game 4 Loss: “I Didn’t Give Enough Energy” – Fadeaway World]
## Looking Ahead
Both the Lakers and Mavericks find themselves in precarious positions, needing to win three consecutive games to advance. For the Lakers, managing player fatigue and adjusting strategies will be paramount. For the Mavericks, maintaining composure and capitalizing on home-court advantage will be key. As the series shifts back to Los Angeles and Dallas, the pressure mounts, and only time will tell if these teams can overcome their challenges and keep their championship dreams alive.
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