In a stunning start to their NBA Playoffs series, the Los Angeles Lakers experienced a crushing defeat against the Minnesota Timberwolves, losing 117-95 on Saturday night, April 19, 2025. After a promising first quarter, the Lakers faltered dramatically, being outscored 38-20 in the second quarter. This swing allowed the Timberwolves to establish a commanding double-digit lead that they maintained through the remainder of the game.
Jaden McDaniels emerged as the standout player for Minnesota, leading all scorers with 25 points, while Naz Reid contributed significantly off the bench with 23 points. The Lakers’ offense, however, struggled to find its footing, with Luka Doncic being the only bright spot, finishing with a game-high 37 points. The rest of the team, unfortunately, could not keep pace, leading to a frustrating outing for fans and players alike.
Magic Johnson, the Lakers legend, expressed his disappointment through multiple posts on X, criticizing head coach JJ Redick for his lack of adjustments during the game. “Coach JJ Redick did a great job all season, but he didn’t do a good job for Game 1,” Johnson stated. He pointed out that the Lakers appeared to play as if it were a regular season game, lacking the energy and urgency expected in the playoffs. “Tonight was one of the Lakers’ worst performances this season. They were flat, had no energy, and they played like it was a regular season game. The Timberwolves match up very well against the Lakers,” he added.
Johnson had initially predicted that the Lakers would win the series in six games, but after this disheartening loss, the Lakers find themselves in an underdog position according to DraftKings Sportsbook. The Lakers had previously split their regular season series with Minnesota, and while Game 1 was a setback, there remains hope for redemption.
LeBron James and Austin Reaves, two key players for the Lakers, combined to shoot just 13-for-31 from the field. Outside of the trio of James, Doncic, and Reaves, no other Laker managed to score in double figures, highlighting a lack of offensive support that is critical in the postseason.
The Lakers not only lost the game but also showed signs of reverting to old habits that fans had hoped were behind them. The team’s organized offense rate (OOR) fell below 25%, potentially marking the worst performance of the season. This statistic, tracked by Cranjis McBasketball, indicates how often a team runs organized plays versus relying on individual efforts. The Lakers’ tendency to play iso ball was evident, and many fans felt as though they were witnessing a return to the coaching style of former head coach Darvin Ham.
As the game progressed, the Timberwolves capitalized on the Lakers' disorganization. Minnesota took an 11-point lead into halftime and quickly added to it by scoring 11 unanswered points at the start of the second half, forcing the Lakers to play catch-up. Unfortunately, they were unable to close the gap, resulting in their first playoff loss of the LeBron James-Luka Doncic era.
Despite the disappointing outcome, there is still optimism among Lakers fans. The series is a best-of-seven, and Redick has shown the ability to make necessary adjustments, something that was often criticized in the past. Fans are hopeful that the team will regroup and respond effectively in Game 2.
Interestingly, LeBron's teams have a history of treating Game 1 as a feeling-out process, which could explain the Lakers’ lack of organized offense in this crucial matchup. While it may be a strategy, it left many feeling uneasy as they watched the team struggle against a determined Timberwolves squad.
Looking ahead, the Lakers will need to reassess their approach. With a roster that features stars like Doncic and James, the expectation is for a more cohesive and energetic performance in Game 2. The players must rally together and find a way to execute their game plan effectively, moving away from the isolation play that plagued them in this opening game.
As the series continues, the Lakers' ability to adapt and respond will be tested. With the Timberwolves proving to be a formidable opponent, the Lakers must dig deep to find their rhythm and reclaim control of the series. Fans will be watching closely to see if the team can bounce back and show the resilience that has characterized their playoff runs in the past.
