The Los Angeles Lakers had a lot of hype after trading for Luka Doncic in the middle of the season.
They finished the regular season as the third seed in the Western Conference with a 50-32 record.
However, the Lakers lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the NBA playoffs (in just five games).
The Timberwolves handle the Lakers to move on in ✋ pic.twitter.com/7WHUeEVRM8
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) May 1, 2025
While many people believed that the Lakers would make a deep run, Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley was not one of them.
Barkley (via the NBA on TNT on February 27): “I think they’re solid. I don’t think they’re a contender… They were awful to start the season. They’ve been awful for the last two or three years… Luka is an upgrade, but I still don’t think they’re on the same level with the Nuggets. OKC’s the best team in the west. I’m not sure they’re better than Memphis. I’m not even sure they’re better than the Rockets.”
“I don’t think [the Lakers] are a contender. ” 👀
Chuck thinks Luka is an “upgrade”, but still not enough for LA to be considered a threat in the West. pic.twitter.com/8Ro4cSTp5h
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 28, 2025
The Lakers lost Game 5 (at home) by a score of 103-96.
They allowed Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert to combine for 42 points and 35 rebounds.
Via @GoldBoysSupport: “Lakers in the LeBron James era:
2019 – missed playoffs
2020 – championship
2021 – eliminated in 1st round
2022 – missed playoffs
2023 – swept in WCF
2024 – eliminated in 1st round
2025 – eliminated in 1st round”
The Timberwolves will now face off against the Houston Rockets or Golden State Warriors in the second round.
