From one moment to the next, the Los Angeles Lakers went from being strong contenders to reach the semifinals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs to being on the brink of elimination after two crucial mistakes by LeBron James against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

This first-round series in the Western Conference started with a surprise, as the Lakers lost Game 1 despite playing at home. They bounced back with a win in Game 2, but the toughest challenges were still ahead.

The Minnesota Timberwolves defended their home court and took the lead in the series with a commanding 116-104 victory in Game 3. The Lakers needed to respond with a win to avoid being pushed to the brink in the 2025 NBA Playoffs, but…

In a game where they once held a 12-point lead, the Lakers failed to close it out, leaving the door open for the Timberwolves to stage a comeback.
LeBron not only failed to score any points in the fourth quarter, but he also committed two crucial mistakes that now have Luka Doncic and company on the brink of elimination.

LeBron and the Two Mistakes That Have the Lakers on the Brink of Elimination

LeBron during Timberwolves vs. Lakers. (Photo: Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Lakers had just called a timeout when LeBron James made a bad inbound pass, handing possession to the Minnesota Timberwolves with the score at 114-113 against them.
Nineteen seconds later came the second mistake: “The King” committed a foul on Anthony Edwards, which the referees confirmed after reviewing the play.
Those free throws sealed the Californian team’s defeat, with a final score of 116-113. (Video!)

When do the Lakers and Timberwolves play again in the NBA Playoffs?

Facing a must-win situation after falling behind 1–3 in the series and being just one loss away from elimination in the 2025 NBA Playoffs, the Lakers will take on the Timberwolves again on Wednesday, April 30, at 10:00 PM ET at Crypto.com Arena.