Los Angeles Lakers Face Do-or-Die Game Against Minnesota Timberwolves as Series Shifts Back Home

With their backs firmly against the wall, the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in a must-win situation against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Trailing 3-1 in the series, the action returns to Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles for a pivotal Game 5. For the Lakers, it’s win or face elimination.

In Game 4, the Lakers squandered a lead that stretched to 12 points, ultimately falling 116-113 to the Timberwolves. Despite Luka Doncic’s impressive 38-point performance and LeBron James contributing 27 points along with 12 rebounds and eight assists, the Lakers couldn’t halt Minnesota’s momentum. Instead of tying the series, they find themselves down 1-3, with Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards stealing the show with a game-high 43 points and nine rebounds.

LeBron James, no stranger to this scenario, stated, “You can’t think about winning three straight. It’s all about getting the next one. That’s the focus — Wednesday’s game,” recalling his leadership during the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 3-1 comeback in the 2016 NBA Finals.

Historically, teams holding a 3-1 lead in NBA playoff history possess an outstanding 275-13 record. The looming question is whether the Lakers can stave off elimination or if the Timberwolves will seal the series on the road. Look to USA TODAY Sports for live updates and highlights from Game 5.

As the third quarter begins, Doncic returns to the court sporting what seems like a back brace. At halftime, the Timberwolves commanded a 59-49 lead over the Lakers. The Lakers, trailing throughout, struggled to contend with Rudy Gobert’s dominance, as he logged 15 points and eight rebounds while shooting efficiently at 7-for-10. Anthony Edwards chipped in 10 points.

The Lakers concluded the second quarter without Luka Doncic, who left due to a lower back injury after a hard fall. Before exiting, Doncic tallied 12 points. Meanwhile, LeBron James and Rui Hachimura both added 10 points to the Lakers’ efforts.

Doncic’s injury occurred just before halftime when he was fouled by Donte DiVincenzo during a drive to the basket, leading to an awkward fall and apparent back discomfort. Despite his injury, Doncic managed to sink both free throws before returning directly to the locker room. He exited with 12 points.

The Lakers had a rough start to Game 5, essential for continuing their season. The first quarter saw Luka Doncic and LeBron James combine for only nine points, shooting just 1-for-8. Additionally, Doncic found himself in early foul trouble.

The Timberwolves came out strong, establishing a 21-9 lead and widening the gap to 14 points by the end of the first quarter. Rudy Gobert led with nine points, complemented by Julius Randle’s eight points.

Before Game 5, an exchange with a reporter prompted Lakers head coach JJ Redick to swiftly conclude his press conference. “Are you suggesting I’m inexperienced because of my decisions?” Redick retorted when asked about relying on assistant coaches for rotational decisions. “Of course I consult them, every timeout,” he confirmed before leaving.

Game 5, determining if the Lakers can extend their season against the Timberwolves, tips off at 10 p.m. ET, Wednesday, April 30. The game will be broadcast on TNT and available for streaming through Fubo at Los Angeles’s Crypto.com Arena.