The Los Angeles Lakers are in a critical situation in the first round of the NBA 2025 playoffs. After falling 116-113 in Game 4 to the Minnesota Timberwolves, the team from Los Angeles is down 3-1 in the series and must win three consecutive games if it wants to avoid elimination.
Despite the great individual performance of Luka Doncic, who finished the last game with 38 points, 9 assists and 7 rebounds, collective mistakes, disputed technical decisions and a controversial referee play marked the course of the game that the Lakers lost.
Criticism of JJ Redick
Lakers head coach JJ Redick opted to keep the starting five of Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura and Dorian Finney and Smith for the entire second half.
Although cohesion was sought, the strategy generated fatigue and affected the closing of the game.
Experts such as Magic Johnson have openly questioned this decision.
He called it “unwise” considering the physical demands of the playoffs and the depth of the Laker bench.
The lack of rotation left the team with no answers when the Timberwolves tightened defensively.
Controversial play
The closing of the match was marked by a controversial action:
An alleged unsanctioned foul for the Lakers on Luka Doncic in the final minute.
Days later, the NBA acknowledged the refereeing error in its report on the final two minutes, which has increased unrest among fans and the team.
“I think it was a foul, but that doesn’t matter now.”
We have to focus on the next game
Luka Doncic
Maintains optimism
Despite the tough blow, Luka Doncic of the Lakers was positive:
“It’s disappointing, but we haven’t lost anything yet. The first to reach four wins wins wins and we have to keep believing.”
The next game will be this Wednesday at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, where the Lakers will look to extend the series and regain confidence.
To achieve this, a solid performance from Doncic and better tactical bench management by the coaching staff will be vital.
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