The Los Angeles Lakers are on the brink of elimination as they prepare for a must-win Game 5 at home against the surging Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night.
The Timberwolves hold a commanding 3-1 series lead after storming back in Game 4 with a dominant 32-19 fourth quarter to edge the Lakers 116-113. Anthony Edwards was unstoppable down the stretch, dropping 16 of his 43 points in the final 12 minutes and sinking three clutch 3-pointers.
Minnesota, now 20-5 since March 2, has found its rhythm after early-season roster struggles and Julius Randle’s mid-season return. Coach Chris Finch praised the team’s composure, saying: “There wasn’t any panic. This team believes it can always come back.”
Despite a strong performance from Luka Doncic (38 points) and LeBron James (27 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists), the Lakers ran out of steam late in Game 4. LA shot just 27.8% in the fourth quarter compared to Minnesota’s 45.5%, and now face a do-or-die situation.
LeBron stayed focused on the task ahead: “You don’t think about winning three. You just think about the next one. That’s the only thing that matters.”
Game 5 will decide whether the Lakers stay alive — or start their offseason.
