Luka Doncic's gruesome back injury couldn't keep him down in Game 5. But his efforts were in vain as the LA Lakers exited the 2025 NBA playoffs with a 4-1 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Anthony Edwards and Co. put LA away 103-96 to send them home in the first round for the second time in as many seasons/
Doncic finished with a team-high 28 points, seven rebounds, nine assists and a steal. The mercurial guard nailed his first goal with just over five minutes left in the second quarter and LA found themselves in familiar territory as they did throughout the series as the Timberwolves forced them into trailing 59-49 at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday.
The Slovenian finished his half with 12 points while shooting 2-for-7 from the field and 0-for-3 from the deep along with five rebounds, four assists and a steal. Luka Doncic averaged 30.8 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists in four games in the 2025 playoffs.
Speaking to the reporters after the loss, Luka Doncic gave first-time HC JJ Redick his flowers saying it was a solid couple of months being coached by his once former Dallas Mavericks teammate.
"I'm glad he got to coach me for these couple months... We have a great bond, it's been nothing but amazing."
Doncic's return remains up in the air. He is eligible for an extension this August. For now, it will be a wait and watch regarding his future with the team.