Los Angeles, CA – May 1, 2025 – The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 103-96 in Game 5 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series, clinching a 4-1 series victory and eliminating the Lakers from the 2025 NBA Playoffs. The Timberwolves, led by a playoff career-high performance from Rudy Gobert and clutch plays from Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle, and Mike Conley, advanced to the Western Conference semifinals, where they await the winner of the Golden State Warriors-Houston Rockets series. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the series, player stats, key moments, and what’s next for both teams.
Series Timeline and Game Recaps
The Timberwolves dominated the series, winning four of the five games against the third-seeded Lakers, who were led by superstars LeBron James and Luka Dončić. Below is the timeline of the series, with scores and key highlights:
- Game 1 (April 19, Los Angeles): Timberwolves 117, Lakers 95
Minnesota set the tone early, leveraging their size advantage and a franchise playoff-record 21 three-pointers to secure a commanding road victory. Anthony Edwards led with 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists, while the Lakers struggled defensively, with only Dončić shooting efficiently. - Game 2 (April 22, Los Angeles): Lakers 94, Timberwolves 85
The Lakers bounced back, evening the series 1-1 with a strong defensive performance. LeBron James and Luka Dončić combined for a stellar two-way effort, holding Minnesota to 85 points. Julius Randle was active for the Timberwolves but couldn’t overcome the Lakers’ intensity. - Game 3 (April 25, Minneapolis): Timberwolves 116, Lakers 104
Anthony Edwards erupted for 43 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter, as Minnesota regained the series lead. The Lakers’ lack of rim protection was evident, with Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels exploiting the paint. LeBron James added 38 points, but it wasn’t enough. - Game 4 (April 27, Minneapolis): Timberwolves 116, Lakers 113
In a tightly contested game, the Timberwolves took a 3-1 lead. Edwards scored 43 points, and Jaden McDaniels’ and-1 play with 39.5 seconds left proved pivotal. A costly turnover by LeBron James and a foul on Edwards in the final seconds sealed the Lakers’ fate. Coach JJ Redick’s decision to play the same five players for the entire second half drew criticism, as the Lakers appeared fatigued. - Game 5 (April 30, Los Angeles): Timberwolves 103, Lakers 96
The Timberwolves closed out the series at Crypto.com Arena, with Rudy Gobert delivering a playoff career-high 27 points, including a crucial tip-slam. Mike Conley’s clutch three-pointer and Julius Randle’s late-game scoring secured the victory. LeBron James had 27 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists but committed a critical turnover with 30 seconds left.
Key Player Stats and Performances
Minnesota Timberwolves
- Rudy Gobert: Gobert was a force in Game 5, finishing with 27 points and dominating the interior against the Lakers’ small lineup. His defensive presence limited the Lakers’ paint scoring, and his offensive rebounding, including a highlight tip-slam, was crucial. Gobert averaged 14 points and significant defensive contributions across the series.
- Anthony Edwards: The Timberwolves’ young star averaged 29.8 points per game, with 48 paint attempts and a 43.2% three-point shooting clip. His 43-point performances in Games 3 and 4 showcased his ability to take over. Edwards’ versatility and clutch playmaking were key to Minnesota’s success.
- Julius Randle: Randle provided consistent scoring, averaging 25 points in key games. His clutch shots in Game 5 and ability to stretch the floor with three-pointers (3 in Game 3) complemented Edwards and Gobert.
- Jaden McDaniels: McDaniels averaged 19.8 points, shooting 72% in the restricted area. Despite foul trouble in Game 5, his defensive work on Luka Dončić and LeBron James was critical.
- Mike Conley: Conley’s veteran presence shone in Game 5 with a dagger three-pointer that sealed the Lakers’ fate. His leadership helped Minnesota maintain composure in clutch moments.
- Nickeil Alexander-Walker: A key bench contributor, Alexander-Walker provided defensive versatility and timely scoring, bolstering Minnesota’s depth.
Los Angeles Lakers
- LeBron James: James delivered a stellar series, averaging 27 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists in Game 5 alone. His 144th career playoff double-double surpassed Wilt Chamberlain for third all-time. However, critical turnovers in Games 4 and 5 and fatigue from heavy minutes in Game 4 proved costly.
- Luka Dončić: Dončić averaged 38 points in key games, with 5 three-pointers in Game 3. Despite battling illness in Game 3, he was the Lakers’ most consistent offensive threat. His inability to counter Minnesota’s paint dominance limited his impact.
- Rui Hachimura: Hachimura had flashes of brilliance, particularly in Game 4’s third-quarter run, but struggled with consistency. His limited minutes in Game 5 reflected coach JJ Redick’s preference for a small lineup.
- Austin Reaves: Reaves showed resilience, hitting crucial three-pointers in Game 4, but foul trouble and inconsistent scoring (scoreless in the first half of Game 4) hindered his impact.
- Jaxson Hayes: Hayes started all five games but averaged under 10 minutes due to struggles against Minnesota’s size. His limited role underscored the Lakers’ lack of a reliable center.
Box Score Highlights (Game 5)
- Timberwolves: 103 points, 48.8% FG, 10/28 3PT, 42 rebounds, 24 assists, 8 steals.
- Gobert: 27 points, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks.
- Randle: 20 points, 7 rebounds, 2 three-pointers.
- Edwards: 18 points, 9 assists, 5 rebounds.
- Lakers: 96 points, 44.2% FG, 8/22 3PT, 38 rebounds, 20 assists, 6 steals.
- James: 27 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals, 3 blocks.
- Dončić: 24 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists.
- Reaves: 12 points, 3 three-pointers.
Strategic Analysis and Key Takeaways
The Timberwolves’ dominance stemmed from their size, depth, and ability to exploit the Lakers’ lack of rim protection. Minnesota averaged 28.3 shots per game in the restricted area, the most among playoff teams, with Gobert, Edwards, and McDaniels thriving in the paint. Their bench, including Donte DiVincenzo and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, outplayed the Lakers’ reserves, who struggled to provide consistent scoring.
The Lakers’ small-ball strategy, led by first-year coach JJ Redick, backfired. Redick’s decision to forgo a traditional center and play the same five players for the entire second half of Game 4 led to visible fatigue, as criticized by Lakers legend Magic Johnson and analyst Nick Wright. The absence of a reliable big man, exacerbated by trading Anthony Davis and backing out of a deal for Mark Williams, left the Lakers vulnerable to Minnesota’s interior attack.
LeBron James, at 40, and Luka Dončić carried the Lakers’ offense, but their supporting cast, including Rui Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes, couldn’t match Minnesota’s intensity. The Lakers’ 14-0 run to open the third quarter of Game 4 showed their potential, but late-game execution errors and turnovers proved fatal.
Where to Watch and Live Stream Details
Game 5 was broadcast on TNT, ABC, and streamed via NBA League Pass, FuboTV, and YouTube. Fans could also follow live updates on ESPN, CBS Sports, and VAVEL USA. The Timberwolves’ social media, including posts from @Timberwolves, provided real-time highlights, such as Gobert’s tip-slam and Conley’s clutch three.
NBA Playoff Bracket and Timberwolves’ Next Steps
With the Lakers eliminated, the Timberwolves advance to face either the Golden State Warriors or Houston Rockets in the Western Conference semifinals. The Warriors-Rockets series is ongoing, with Houston forcing a Game 6 after a 131-116 win in Game 5. Minnesota’s recent form—21 wins in their last 26 games—makes them a formidable opponent, especially if Anthony Edwards continues his ascent as a playoff star.
The 2025 NBA Playoffs continue, with 11 teams remaining. The NBA Finals are set to begin on June 5, broadcast on ABC and the ESPN App.
Lakers’ Offseason Outlook
The Lakers face a critical offseason after their first-round exit. Despite securing the No. 3 seed, their lack of size and depth was exposed. JJ Redick, in his first season as coach, reflected on leading the team to the playoffs but acknowledged the need for a reliable big man. Potential roster changes include pursuing a center and bolstering the bench. LeBron James, who passed Wilt Chamberlain for third all-time in playoff double-doubles, remains a cornerstone, but questions linger about the team’s ability to compete in the loaded Western Conference.
Predictions and Pre-Series Expectations
Pre-series betting odds favored the Lakers, with a -5.5 spread in Game 5, but analysts like Shubham from The Playoffs predicted a close Timberwolves win, citing their momentum and size advantage. SportsLine’s model, which simulates games 10,000 times, also leaned toward Minnesota covering the spread. The Timberwolves’ ability to win Game 5 by seven points validated these predictions, despite the Lakers’ home-court advantage.
Fan and Analyst Reactions
Posts on X reflected mixed sentiments. @LakersNation celebrated the Game 2 win, while @LakersLead lamented the Game 1 loss, criticizing the lack of size and role-player scoring. Analysts like Nick Wright and Magic Johnson questioned Redick’s coaching decisions, particularly in Game 4, while praising Edwards and Gobert for their clutch performances. The Timberwolves’ fanbase, energized by posts from @NBA and @Timberwolves, celebrated their team’s upset over the star-studded Lakers.
Are the Lakers Out of the Playoffs?
Yes, the Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated from the 2025 NBA Playoffs after losing 103-96 to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 on April 30, 2025, ending their season with a 4-1 series defeat.
Conclusion
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ 4-1 series win over the Los Angeles Lakers was a testament to their size, depth, and playoff resilience. Rudy Gobert, Anthony Edwards, and Julius Randle led a balanced attack that overwhelmed the Lakers’ star-driven roster. As the Timberwolves advance, the Lakers head into an offseason of reflection, with roster adjustments looming. The 2025 NBA Playoffs continue to deliver drama, and Minnesota’s upset signals their potential as a Western Conference contender.
Disclaimer: This article is based on available information from web sources and posts on X as of May 1, 2025. Player stats, game outcomes, and other details are subject to verification. Opinions and predictions reflect the perspectives of cited analysts and may not represent definitive outcomes. For the latest NBA updates, visit official league sources like NBA.com or ESPN.com