The Los Angeles Lakers lost Game 5 of their first-round playoff series to the Minnesota Timberwolves 103-96, capping the 2024–25 NBA season.

This loss put an early end to a season that started with hopes of winning a title, as the sixth-seeded Timberwolves defeated the third-seeded Lakers 4-1 in the series.  

Game 5 Recap: Timberwolves’ Dominance

Rudy Gobert of Minnesota had an outstanding effort in the pivotal Game 5 at Crypto.com Arena, contributing 27 points and a franchise playoff-high 24 rebounds.

The Timberwolves outscored the Lakers 54–37 thanks to their dominance on the boards, even if they only shot 7–47 from beyond the arc. Minnesota’s Julius Randle scored 23 points, but Donte DiVincenzo and Anthony Edwards had more subdued offensive performances.

Throughout the game, the Lakers encountered difficulties. With 28 points, Luka Dončić led the squad, although a back injury kept him from playing much of the second half.

Rui Hachimura scored 23 points off the bench, and LeBron James added 22 points. Late in the fourth quarter, the Lakers cut the lead to two points, but they were unable to overcome the Timberwolves’ tenacity. 

Series Overview: Missed Opportunities

For a team that had great hopes after acquiring Luka Dončić, the Lakers’ elimination is a major letdown. After suffering a crushing defeat in Game 1 of the series (117–95), the Lakers recovered in Game 2 (94–85). They were on the verge of elimination, though, after suffering back-to-back defeats in Games 3 and 4.

Anthony Edwards scored 43 points to lead the Timberwolves in Game 4, which helped Minnesota pull off a 116–113 victory. Throughout the series, the Lakers’ incapacity to hold leads and finish games became a recurrent problem. 

Looking Ahead: Questions for the Offseason

The Lakers’ early playoff exit raises concerns about their coaching strategy and roster construction. In his first season, head coach JJ Redick came under fire for his in-game adjustments and rotations.

The team’s reliance on James and Dončić, who both suffered injuries during the series, revealed a lack of depth that needs to be addressed in the offseason.

As the Lakers begin the offseason, choices about player personnel, coaching tactics, and the team’s overall direction will be crucial in determining their capacity to compete in the fiercely competitive Western Conference.