The Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves are set to clash in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The Lakers, holding the No. 3 seed, face the No. 6 seeded Timberwolves in what promises to be a compelling matchup.
🟣 Lakers: Star Power Meets Playoff Pressure
Since acquiring Luka Dončić in February, the Lakers have transformed into a dynamic offensive force. Dončić has averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists in 28 games with Los Angeles, while LeBron James continues to defy age with averages of 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists in his 22nd season.
However, the midseason trade of Anthony Davis has left questions about the Lakers’ interior defense. Jaxson Hayes has stepped up, averaging 8.1 points and 5.3 rebounds since Dončić’s arrival, but the team’s rim protection remains a concern.
🐺 Timberwolves: Defensive Tenacity and Rising Stars
The Timberwolves enter the playoffs on a hot streak, winning 17 of their last 21 games. Anthony Edwards has emerged as a superstar, leading the league with 320 made three-pointers this season. The offseason acquisition of Julius Randle has added versatility to the frontcourt, complementing Rudy Gobert’s defensive prowess.
Minnesota’s defense ranks sixth in the league, allowing just 109.3 points per game. Their ability to stifle opponents will be tested against the Lakers’ high-powered offense.
🔑 Key Matchups to Watch
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Luka Dončić vs. Anthony Edwards: A battle between two elite scorers who can take over games.
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LeBron James vs. Timberwolves’ Defense: Can the 40-year-old legend navigate Minnesota’s physical defense?
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Interior Play: With Davis gone, can Hayes and the Lakers’ frontcourt withstand the Timberwolves’ size and physicality?
In Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 117–95 at Crypto.com Arena, taking a 1–0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
The Timberwolves set a franchise playoff record with 21 made three-pointers, led by Jaden McDaniels’ 25 points and Naz Reid’s 23 points off the bench. Anthony Edwards contributed 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists. Minnesota broke the game open with a 38–20 advantage in the second quarter and maintained control throughout.
Luka Dončić led the Lakers with 37 points and 8 rebounds in his playoff debut for Los Angeles, but was limited to just one assist. LeBron James added 19 points and 5 rebounds. The Lakers struggled offensively, shooting 39.8% from the field and going 1-for-7 at the rim, hindered by Minnesota’s strong rim protection.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick acknowledged the team’s challenges, stating, “They were able to get—the start of their run was transition and second chance points,” noting Minnesota’s 25 fast break points and 23 second chance points.
In Game 2 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers secured a 94–85 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena, evening the first-round series at 1–1.
🔥 Game Highlights
Luka Dončić led the Lakers with 31 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists, narrowly missing a triple-double. He scored 16 points in the first quarter, setting the tone for Los Angeles.
LeBron James contributed 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists, providing veteran leadership throughout the game.
The Lakers established an early lead with a 34–15 first quarter and maintained control despite Minnesota’s efforts to close the gap.
🐺 Timberwolves’ Performance
Julius Randle led Minnesota with 27 points, while Anthony Edwards added 25 points, including a notable dunk over Jaxson Hayes in the third quarter.
The Timberwolves struggled offensively, shooting just 20% from three-point range after making 21 threes in Game 1.
📊 Series Outlook
With the series tied 1–1, the matchup shifts to Minnesota for Game 3, where both teams will look to gain the upper hand in this competitive first-round series.
In Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, the Minnesota Timberwolves secured a 116–104 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers at Target Center, taking a 2–1 lead in their first-round series.
Game Highlights:
Jaden McDaniels led the Timberwolves with 30 points, while Anthony Edwards contributed 29 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists.
Land of Basketball
The Timberwolves outscored the Lakers 62–46 in the second half, including a decisive 13–1 run in the final minutes.
LeBron James paced the Lakers with 38 points and 10 rebounds, while Austin Reaves added 20 points. Luka Dončić, battling illness, managed 17 points, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds.
The series continues with Game 4, where the Lakers will look to even the series before returning to Los Angeles.
In Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, the Minnesota Timberwolves edged the Los Angeles Lakers 116–113 at Target Center, taking a commanding 3–1 series lead.
Game Highlights:
Anthony Edwards delivered a stellar performance, scoring 43 points and hitting 14 free throws, leading the Timberwolves’ comeback.
The Lakers held a double-digit lead entering the fourth quarter but were outscored 32–19 in the final period.
Head coach JJ Redick’s decision to play the same five players for the entire second half led to fatigue and diminished effectiveness in the closing minutes.
Luka Dončić scored 38 points, while LeBron James added 27 points, but both struggled to maintain their performance late in the game.
The Lakers now face elimination as the series returns to Los Angeles for Game 5.
In Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, the Minnesota Timberwolves eliminated the Los Angeles Lakers with a 103–96 victory at Crypto.com Arena, clinching the first-round series 4–1.
🏀 Game Highlights
Rudy Gobert delivered a dominant performance, recording playoff career highs with 27 points and 24 rebounds, including nine offensive boards.
Julius Randle contributed 23 points, providing consistent scoring support for the Timberwolves.
Anthony Edwards added 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Mike Conley hit a crucial three-pointer late in the game to help seal the win.
The Timberwolves overcame poor three-point shooting (14.9%) by dominating the rebounding battle 54–37, capitalizing on the Lakers’ lack of interior defense.
💜 Lakers’ Performance
Luka Dončić led the Lakers with 28 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds, despite dealing with a back injury.
LeBron James added 22 points, but the Lakers struggled offensively, managing only 16 points in the fourth quarter.
The Lakers’ bench provided minimal support, and the team’s small-ball lineup was exploited by Gobert’s inside presence.