LeBron James' strong showing was not enough for the LA Lakers to force a Game 6 on Wednesday. The LA Lakers superstar dropped 22 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and two steals in the team's 103-96 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The defeat also knocked them out of the playoffs.
Earlier, James turned on the jets on both ends of the floor to keep the LA Lakers' playoff hopes alive on Wednesday. The four-time NBA champion recorded 10 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals as the Purple and Gold trailed 59-49 in Game 5 of the 2025 NBA playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
James heated up in the second quarter starting with an emphatic dunk. He finished the half with 4-for-9 shooting from the field. Overall, he ended with 9-for-21 from the field and 1-for-5 from the deep.
The Lakers came into the matchup on the brink of elimination as they trail the series 3-1 with their hopes resting on their 'Big 3' of James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. But it was not to be as the T-Wolves played better ball to send the Lakers packing.
Speaking to reporters after the loss, LeBron James opined that the outcome was stung and that it was a disappointing end to their promising season. Per Lakers Nation:
"LeBron James says that this season was a "disappointment" as his goal has always been to win and compete for championships."
The Lakers now enter an offseason where James' future remains uncertain. Only time will tell if the 40-year-old has another run in him.