Los Angeles—In a gut-punch of a night at Crypto.com Arena, the Minnesota Timberwolves sent the Los Angeles Lakers packing from the NBA playoffs, clinching a 103-96 victory in Game 5 on April 30, 2025. The Wolves, powered by a monstrous performance from Rudy Gobert, sealed the first-round series 4-1, advancing to face the winner of the Golden State-Houston matchup. For Lakers fans, it was a bitter end to a season that had sparked championship dreams after a blockbuster trade for Luka Doncic.
The game started with Minnesota jumping out fast, their big men setting a bruising tone. Gobert, a tower in the paint, racked up a playoff career-high 27 points and 24 rebounds, snatching offensive boards and slamming home put-backs that left the Lakers scrambling. Julius Randle chipped in 23 points, his hustle on both ends proving why Minnesota leaned on him all series. The Wolves led by as many as 14 in the first half, their physicality overwhelming a Lakers squad that looked undersized and, at times, outmatched.
But the Lakers, fueled by star power, didn’t go quietly. Luka Doncic, despite a nagging back injury that sent him to the locker room grimacing in the second quarter, returned to drop 28 points, seven rebounds, and nine assists. He sparked a third-quarter surge, scoring 13 of his points as Los Angeles outscored Minnesota 31-22 to claw within one entering the fourth. A Dorian Finney-Smith three-pointer late in the third gave the Lakers their first lead, 74-73, igniting the crowd.
The final frame was a slugfest. LeBron James, defying his 40 years, added 14 points and kept the Lakers in striking distance. With 6:29 left, Los Angeles grabbed an 88-87 edge after a James drive. But Minnesota’s depth and grit shone through. Anthony Edwards, though ice-cold from three (0-for-11), still managed 15 points and 11 rebounds, his double-clutch layup in the clutch keeping the Wolves ahead. Gobert’s put-back slams and Randle’s free throws fueled a 15-9 run to close it out, with Mike Conley’s dagger three sealing the deal.
The Lakers’ season, marked by high hopes after acquiring Doncic from Dallas in February, ended with a thud. Minnesota’s size and defensive pressure—holding Los Angeles to 96 points—exposed the Lakers’ lack of depth. The Wolves shot a dismal 14.9% from three but dominated the paint 56-26, a stat that told the story of the night.
Minnesota now awaits their next opponent, while the Lakers head into an offseason filled with questions. James, Doncic, and coach JJ Redick face a long summer after a series that slipped away.
Final score: Timberwolves 103, Lakers 96. Series: Minnesota wins 4-1. Gobert: 27 points, 24 rebounds. Doncic: 28 points, 9 assists. Edwards: 15 points, 11 rebounds. Next game: Timberwolves vs. Warriors or Rockets, date TBD.