The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves on the brink of elimination after falling to the Minnesota Timberwolves 116-113 in Game 4, but LeBron James remains locked in on the immediate task ahead.
Speaking to reporters after the loss, James emphasized that the focus must be on winning one game rather than looking at the full 3-1 deficit, stating, “You don’t think about winning three. You think about just getting the next one.”
Minnesota seized control of the series behind Anthony Edwards’ 43-point performance, including critical late-game plays that kept the Lakers from regaining the lead.
Reflecting on the closing moments, James noted, “It was just big play after big play, and they made a couple more plays than we did.”
Despite entering the fourth quarter with momentum after a 36-point third period, the Lakers faltered offensively, shooting just 3-for-17 from the field in the final frame.
James dismissed the notion that fatigue played a major role in the late-game struggles, pointing to missed opportunities instead, saying, “We had some really good looks… I don’t think fatigue had anything to do with that.”
Key moments earlier in the game also hurt Los Angeles, with James acknowledging that failing to close the first, second, and fourth quarters was “very crucial” to the outcome.
The Timberwolves once again dominated the final stretch, outscoring the Lakers 32-19 in the fourth, continuing a trend that has defined the series.
James credited Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels for their pivotal contributions, highlighting McDaniels’ late three-point play and steal that swung momentum.
Despite the heartbreak, James remains determined, stressing the need to adjust heading into a must-win Game 5 on Wednesday at Crypto.com Arena.
“We’ve got to continue to work our game,” James said, acknowledging that while the third quarter produced promising offensive sequences, adjustments will be necessary as Minnesota counters.
Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Luka Doncic provided support throughout Game 4, but Los Angeles’ inability to execute down the stretch left the door open for the Timberwolves.
Minnesota’s depth, with strong minutes from Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and others, proved to be the difference, even with Rudy Gobert struggling offensively.
Now facing elimination, the Lakers must find solutions quickly, while the Timberwolves look to finish the series and move on to the second round.
Game 5 tips off Wednesday night, where the Lakers will aim to extend their season in front of their home fans.
