The Los Angeles Lakers’ playoff journey came to an abrupt end on Wednesday night, as they fell 103-96 to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of their first-round series.
This defeat marked the Lakers’ elimination and highlighted a concerning trend for LeBron James, who has now lost 12 of his last 14 playoff games.
That poor mark wasn’t lost on fans on social media, who took aim at King James after another disappointing playoff run.
“That’s what happens when you play in the west compared the weak east. Playing the east can fool you to think he’s great,” wrote one fan.
Another wrote: “This is what happens when you play in the West.”
A third wrote: “Overrated player and overrated franchise together was always gonna be a clown show.”
Another defended James, writing: “When you’re the goat people still expect you to carry your team even if you’re 40 years old. Crazy.”
One fan suggested James’ time in the league may be coming to an end, writing: “Damn…Father Time undefeated.”
A dominant performance by Gobert
The Timberwolves secured the series with a 4-1 victory, thanks in large part to Rudy Gobert’s exceptional performance. The four-time Defensive Player of the Year delivered a career-high 27 points and 24 rebounds, leading Minnesota to a commanding 54-37 advantage on the boards. This dominance in the paint proved too much for the Lakers to overcome.
Throughout the series, the Lakers faced significant challenges in both rebounding and interior defense. Their smaller lineup was unable to contend with the Timberwolves’ physicality, leading to a 16-point deficit in points in the paint during Game 5.
Additionally, the Lakers’ bench failed to provide the necessary support, with Austin Reaves and others underperforming in critical moments.
LeBron James’ performance and future outlook
Despite the team’s struggles, LeBron James delivered a commendable individual performance, contributing 22 points, seven rebounds, and six assists in the series finale.
However, the Lakers’ inability to execute in the fourth quarter, where they scored only 16 points in Game 5, underscored their offensive woes. This marks the first time in NBA history that a team has scored less than 17% of its points in the fourth quarter over an entire playoff series.
Looking ahead, the Lakers face important decisions regarding their roster and future direction. With Luka Doncic and LeBron James both approaching contract discussions, the team must evaluate how to build a more cohesive and competitive squad for the upcoming season.
The Timberwolves now advance to the Western Conference semifinals, where they will face either the Houston Rockets or the Golden State Warriors. Their victory over the Lakers not only signifies a successful postseason campaign but also marks a significant achievement in the franchise’s history.
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