The Los Angeles Lakers are on the brink of elimination following a heartbreaking loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 4 of the NBA Playoffs. Playing on the road is never easy in the postseason, but in both games, the Lakers had chances to win—letting two slip right through their fingers.
Head coach JJ Redick made history in Game 4, and not in a good way. Redick played the same five players for the entire second half, a decision that drew widespread criticism from across the NBA, including ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins.
“Rookie Mistake by JJ!!! Bron and Luka were dead tired… you’ve have to find time to get them some rest. Especially a 40 year old Lebron James who’s in his 100th season,” Perkins posted.
The chances of Los Angeles advancing to the second round are now slim, but LeBron James has defied the odds before. With his career nearing its end, it's clear that the addition of Luka Dončić has reignited his passion for the game.
“I’ve never seen [LeBron] as happy as he looks playing the game right now. They are a lockdown defensive team right now, with Luka [Dončić]… The roles [are] reversed now. [LeBron James is Anthony Davis] right now, & Luka is him,” Carmelo Anthony said.
Carlos Boozer even floated a bold idea that could make James’ final run even more thrilling—adding another superstar to the roster.
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“If I’m Giannis and I don’t want to go back to Milwaukee… maybe play with Luka and the Lakers,” Boozer said on air.
Dončić thrives with lob threats, and Giannis Antetokounmpo would provide exactly that. A strong pick-and-roll partner is something the Lakers currently lack. However, with Antetokounmpo earning $48.7 million a year, fitting him under the salary cap would be difficult—unless James restructures his contract. Still, a trio of Antetokounmpo, Dončić, and James would instantly rank among the best in the league.