As the Los Angeles Lakers teeter on the edge of playoff elimination, Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves is shaping up to be a defining moment in their 2025 postseason campaign. The Lakers have been hampered by fourth-quarter collapses throughout the series—none more painful than their Game 4 loss, where they squandered a double-digit lead and fell 116-113.
Luka Dončić, who poured in 38 points during the heartbreaking defeat, expressed clear urgency as the Lakers prepare to battle for survival on their home court at Crypto.com Arena.
“Definitely treat it like a Game 7,” Dončić declared. “You lose, you go home. You can’t be looking into the future. We gotta focus on this game and from there, we go on.”
He punctuated his mindset with a powerful declaration: “Win or go home.”
LeBron James had an impressive performance in Game 4, registering 27 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists, but the Lakers’ inability to maintain control late in games continues to cost them. In this series alone, Los Angeles has been outscored 105-69 in the fourth quarters—a stat that underscores their closing issues.
Meanwhile, Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards has risen as a major threat. In Game 4, Edwards exploded for 43 points, including 16 in the decisive final quarter. Over the series, he’s averaging 29.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.8 assists, making him a consistent problem for the Lakers’ defense.
Despite Dončić’s heroics—averaging 30.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game—and James’ strong two-way play, the Lakers are trailing in the series due to inconsistent finishes and Minnesota’s relentless energy.
As Game 5 looms on Wednesday, April 30 at 10:00 PM EDT, the Lakers know what’s at stake. The message from Dončić is unmistakable: it’s win or watch the rest of the playoffs from home. With their backs against the wall and the Timberwolves’ elite defense and surging Edwards to overcome, the Lakers will need more than just star power—they’ll need total execution when it matters most.
Whether Dončić’s rallying cry translates into a momentum-shifting win remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—there’s no tomorrow without a victory.
