In a stunning turn of events, the Los Angeles Lakers have been eliminated from the 2024-25 NBA playoffs, falling 4-1 to the Minnesota Timberwolves after a hard-fought Game 5 that ended in a 103-96 defeat. This loss not only marks the end of the Lakers’ playoff run but also raises pressing questions about the future of the franchise and its superstar, LeBron James.
After the game, James was noncommittal about his future, stating, "I don’t know. I don’t have the answer to that. It’s something I’ll sit down with my family, my wife, and my support group and kind of just talk through it and see what happens." With James now 40 years old and in his 22nd season in the NBA, fans and analysts alike are speculating whether this could be the last chapter of his illustrious career.
James, who has been the centerpiece of the Lakers since 2018 and led them to an NBA championship in 2020, averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds during the regular season. In the decisive Game 5, he contributed 22 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. However, the performance of the team as a whole was underwhelming, exposing significant roster flaws that will need to be addressed in the offseason.
The Timberwolves, who entered the playoffs as the No. 6 seed, showcased their dominance in the series, particularly in Game 5, where Rudy Gobert exploded for 27 points and 24 rebounds. His performance was pivotal in clinching the series, as he became the fifth player in the past two decades to achieve a 25-20 line in a playoff closeout game. Minnesota's bench also outperformed the Lakers' reserves, scoring 22 points compared to L.A.'s meager four.
One of the most glaring issues for the Lakers was their shooting from beyond the arc. The team set an unfortunate record for the worst three-point shooting percentage in NBA playoff history, hitting just 7 of 47 attempts, which equates to a dismal 14.9%. This poor shooting performance was highlighted by Anthony Edwards, who went 0-for-11 from three-point range.
As the Lakers head into the offseason, the team faces important decisions regarding their roster. The acquisition of Luka Dončić in a midseason trade has reshaped the team, but the lack of a reliable center and depth has raised concerns. Coach JJ Redick, who was hired in June 2024, is under scrutiny for his decisions during the playoffs, including his choice to play five starters for the entire second half in Game 4, a move that drew criticism from Lakers legend Magic Johnson.
Redick defended his strategy, stating, "We certainly played well enough to win," but fatigue clearly impacted the team's performance as they struggled to keep pace with the Timberwolves.
The situation has also sparked discussions about LeBron's influence over team decisions, especially since he was instrumental in bringing both Redick and his son Bronny into the fold. Bronny, who was selected 55th overall in the 2024 draft, made his first NBA start earlier in the playoffs but struggled, scoring only four points on 2-of-10 shooting against the Portland Trail Blazers. Despite the nepotism claims, Redick praised Bronny's growth, noting, "His confidence level and level of aggression has grown."
With the Lakers' main stars, including James, Dončić, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura, combining for 85 of the team's 96 points in Game 5, the lack of depth was glaringly evident. As the offseason approaches, fans are left to wonder whether the Lakers will choose to rebuild around Dončić or continue to rely on James as they navigate the challenges ahead.
Meanwhile, the Timberwolves are riding high, having won 21 of their last 26 games dating back to the regular season. They will face either the Houston Rockets or the Golden State Warriors in the next round, with the Rockets currently leading their series 3-2 after a decisive 131-116 victory in Game 5.
As for James, he will take time to reflect on his future in the league. With a year left on his two-year, $101 million contract and a player option that gives him considerable leverage, his next move will be closely watched. "Alright, have a good offseason," James said to Bronny after the game, indicating that the family will be discussing the future together.
In the broader context of the playoffs, the Oklahoma City Thunder have swept the Memphis Grizzlies and await the winner of the Nuggets-Clippers series, while the Rockets and Warriors prepare for their pivotal Game 6. The playoff landscape is shifting rapidly, and as the dust settles, the Lakers will need to address their shortcomings if they hope to return to championship contention.
With the end of the season upon them, the Lakers' future remains uncertain, and the decisions made in the coming months will be crucial in determining whether they can reclaim their status as a powerhouse in the NBA.
