The Los Angeles Lakers fell to a brutal 116-113 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 4 of their first-round playoff matchup. The Lakers squandered a double-digit fourth quarter lead, allowing the Wolves to steal a three-point win and take a 3-1 series advantage.
The 3-1 advantage makes it nearly impossible for teams to make a comeback and win a series, as the history of the league has shown. Over 95% of the teams to hold a 3-1 lead have advanced to the next round, but the Lakers have one of the architects of the greatest 3-1 comeback in NBA history.
With LeBron James leading the squad, many Lakers are confident they still have a shot. This includes their playoff stats leader so far, Luka Doncic, who made it clear that this series is just getting fun for him in a post-game media interview.
"It's a fun challenge."
Luka on being down 3-1: "It's a fun challenge"
— Lakers Daily (@LakersDailyCom) April 27, 2025
Doncic has been carrying his end of the workload, averaging 30.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists through the four games of the series. LeBron has done his bit as well, averaging 26.3 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists.
The issue has been the Lakers' roster production has simply not lived up to expectations. Even average performances from the supporting cast could go a long way in making the Lakers one of the best candidates to complete a 3-1 series comeback since the 2020 Denver Nuggets.
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| Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James and guard Luka Doncic react after a play. Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images |
Despite contentious referee moments throughout the series and in Game 4 as well, this has been one of the most well-received battles of the first round.
Outside of LeBron's experience making such a comeback against tougher opponents, it's clear players like Doncic are also up for the challenge.
The Wolves will have a massive advantage with their lead, but the Lakers need to break this series down into winning their remaining home games and stealing one win at the Target Center in Minnesota.
After all, Luka ended the Wolves' season last year by handing them their elimination blow in front of the home crowd.
- Ishaan Bhattacharya
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