When the stakes were highest, heartbreak found the Los Angeles Lakers. Battling fiercely in Game 4 of the NBA Playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Lakers fell just short, losing 116-113. With the win, the Timberwolves now hold a commanding 3-1 lead in the series.

Quarter-by-Quarter Highlights

1st Quarter: Strong Start, Shaky Finish

Despite Luka Dončić battling illness, he dropped 13 points early, giving the Lakers a slim 32-28 edge after one. LeBron James chipped in 9 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists. Yet, Minnesota fought back behind Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards' late surge.

2nd Quarter: Superstar Duel

LeBron and Dončić carried L.A., while Randle and Edwards powered Minnesota. At halftime, the Timberwolves led 61-58, thanks to Edwards’ 19 points and Randle’s 21.

3rd Quarter: Lakers’ Big Surge

Los Angeles came out roaring, unleashing a 14-0 run and taking a 94-84 lead into the final frame. Rui Hachimura added key points, while emotions flared as Rudy Gobert was assessed a flagrant foul.

4th Quarter: Heartbreak

Anthony Edwards dominated the fourth, scoring early and closing strong. A controversial foul call against LeBron with 10.1 seconds left gave Edwards the chance to seal the game — and he delivered. Austin Reaves’ buzzer-beater attempt missed, sealing a crushing loss for L.A.

Statistical Snapshot

  • Field Goals: Lakers 50%, Timberwolves 41.2%
  • Rebounding: Timberwolves dominated offensive rebounds
  • Turnovers: Lakers’ mid-game turnovers shifted momentum

Notable Performances

  • Anthony Edwards: 38 points, relentless fourth-quarter takeover
  • LeBron James: 27 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists
  • Luka Dončić: 31 points, battling illness

What's Next?

With the series returning to Crypto.com Arena for Game 5, the Lakers must now summon all their resilience to stay alive. Can LeBron James and the Lakers stage a comeback, or will the Timberwolves close the door?

Crypto.com Arena NBA Playoffs
Game 5 returns to Crypto.com Arena: the Lakers' last stand?