Lakers Eliminated by Timberwolves in NBA Playoffs Game 5
Minnesota Timberwolves defeat LA Lakers 103-96 in Game 5, ending their NBA playoff run. Rudy Gobert shines with 27 points, 24 rebounds.
The Los Angeles Lakers season ended abruptly on April 30, 2025, as the Minnesota Timberwolves secured a 103-96 victory in Game 5 of the NBA Playoffs first-round series. The defeat eliminated the Lakers, a team with high expectations as the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, leaving fans and analysts stunned.
Rudy Gobert Dominates the Paint
Rudy Gobert, the Timberwolves center, delivered a career-defining playoff performance. Scoring 27 points and grabbing 24 rebounds, including nine offensive boards, Gobert exploited the Lakers small-ball strategy. His dominance in the paint set a Timberwolves postseason rebounding record and proved pivotal in Minnesota advancing to the Western Conference semifinals.
Key Moments in Game 5
The Timberwolves jumped to a 14-point lead in the first quarter, showcasing their physicality. Despite a Lakers rally led by Luka Doncic, who scored 28 points, and LeBron James, who added 22 points, Minnesota depth prevailed. A crucial 6-0 run in the fourth quarter, featuring Gobert putback dunk and Julius Randle floater, sealed the Lakers fate. Minnesota poor 3-point shooting (7 for 47) was offset by their interior strength, with Gobert and Randle combining for 50 points.
Lakers Struggles with Size and Depth
The Lakers decision to play small, often without a traditional center, backfired against Minnesota towering lineup. Coach JJ Redick limited center Jaxson Hayes to minimal minutes, relying on Rui Hachimura and Dorian Finney-Smith to fill the void. This mismatch allowed Gobert to roam freely, while the Lakers struggled to contain Minnesota 18 offensive rebounds. The absence of a robust interior defender, following the trade of Anthony Davis, exposed Los Angeles weaknesses.
Star Power Falls Short
LeBron James and Luka Doncic, the Lakers marquee duo, showed flashes of brilliance but could not overcome Minnesota balanced attack. Doncic battled through a back injury, while James, at 40, faced questions about potential retirement. The Lakers lack of depth, with only seven players seeing significant minutes in Game 5, highlighted roster construction flaws that plagued their postseason campaign.
Timberwolves Look Ahead
Minnesota, now 4-1 in the series, advances to face the winner of the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets matchup. Anthony Edwards, despite a quieter 15-point night, remains a rising star, while Julius Randle 23 points underscored the Timberwolves versatility. Coach Chris Finch praised Gobert impact, noting his ability to shed defenders and finish plays as a game-changer.
The Timberwolves victory marks a significant upset, proving their potential as a Western Conference contender. For Lakers fans, the early exit stings, but the team storied history suggests a comeback is never out of reach.
