2025 NBA PLAYOFFS West First Round: #3 LA Lakers vs #6 Minnesota Timberwolves (Series tied 1-1)

[Ruma85]

Jimmy Butler now out for Warriors, Lebron James is celebrating. He smells blood and will now go all out vs the Wolves knowing 2nd round will be a breeze against the Rockets. It’s an automatic trip to the WCF again.

And by the looks of it maybe Clippers can take out the Thunder and by the time they’re in WCF Kawhi’s knees are pulverized so it’s just Harden vs Lakers. Another Lebron Finals and Celtics aren’t healthy either with Tatum and Brown banged up.

A title at 40 makes him undisputed GOAT not only in basketball but in all sports. This is Lebron’s lifelong dream. Only problem now is how he will get Finals MVP over Luka. But Lebron says let’s cross the bridge when we get there. But so far it’s going good and everything’s aligning well.

Warriors were never going to beat the Lakers. The Lakers match up well against the Warriors, the T-Wolves are a tougher matchup honestly. Just a matter of putting a few good offensive games together for this team to get going now.

I know they weren’t losing to the Warriors. They have the best duo in the league Lebron and Luka. What I said was it’s gonna be much easier now vs the Rockets/Warriors without Butler. So Lebron can rest and take games off in 2nd round, which will help him for the Finals push. Which by the way, is also much easier now too since Tatum is now injured.

Btw I noticed it was KCP who pushed off Tatum to injure him. Perhaps it was a directive by Klutch/Lebron since that’s his agency and Lebron is his old buddy? This helps Lebron immensely

come on now, really?

[SlimShady83]

Hey sorry for the link, wasn't sure where to post this. Just watching youtube shorts and this popped up.

Anyone know where you get more of these?

Thanks Inadvance.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/hBSKvVuKgVY?t=31&feature=share

[ryguy613]

Naw you guys are Luka only fans- yall not lakers fans.

Here is the Luka take- when he locks in Ant doesn’t drive on him… he just shoots threes- which proves your boy can play defense when he cares…

Lakers and Wolves played bad and I expect this series to end in 5

so you think this is a sweep the rest of the way by the Wolves? Bet?

Yep - it’s done

....so bet?

[CobraCommander]

so you think this is a sweep the rest of the way by the Wolves? Bet?

Yep - it’s done

....so bet?

Hell yes

[RB34]

I can’t wait for how filthy this thread is going to be tomorrow. Series 1-1!

[thinktank]

This shouldn’t be controversial at all:

Added Mike Conley: “There’s been some times where we lose our minds, rightfully so, and there’s been times where we’re just overly concerned with it and giving up fast-break points on the other end. There’s got to be a much stronger effort to leave the refs alone and keep playing through it, because we know we’re going to be kind of behind the eight ball in that aspect of the game. So what. Go play through it and figure it out.”

[bb22]

Yeah this really feels like a cakewalk for the Lakers to the finals. Idk if they can beat Boston once there but who knows tbh Luka was able to push that same team without LeBron James to 6 games so it’s definitely possible.

Probably the most talented and tightly contested West playoff picture in ages. Can’t see any team cakewalking to the finals, especially not the Lakers who have to play small and all-out on D with no plan B.

[Bob8]

This shouldn’t be controversial at all:

Added Mike Conley: “There’s been some times where we lose our minds, rightfully so, and there’s been times where we’re just overly concerned with it and giving up fast-break points on the other end. There’s got to be a much stronger effort to leave the refs alone and keep playing through it, because we know we’re going to be kind of behind the eight ball in that aspect of the game. So what. Go play through it and figure it out.”

It makes sense, both fans and players whining about referring, although I would be very concerned, if I was Wolves fan, about players whining before games, it doesn't sound like they believe in themselves. Maybe McDaniels should try to break Luka's ankles again to make life easier for Wolves and make some kind of equilibrium between bad refereeing and dirty playing?

[TimberKat]

I suggest Minnesota work the ball inside more. Give Rudy Gobert a few more touches close to the rim.

Sent from my SM-S928U1 using RealGM Forums mobile app

Yes, Gobert is good for Wolves defense. He can't be a none factor and have Luka guarding him on offense. Wolves have to find a way to get him involved, so at least Lakers has to guard him. Maybe a little better pick and roll. Once he is more involved, it will open up shots for others.

[ball_takes23]

Jimmy Butler now out for Warriors, Lebron James is celebrating. He smells blood and will now go all out vs the Wolves knowing 2nd round will be a breeze against the Rockets. It’s an automatic trip to the WCF again.

And by the looks of it maybe Clippers can take out the Thunder and by the time they’re in WCF Kawhi’s knees are pulverized so it’s just Harden vs Lakers. Another Lebron Finals and Celtics aren’t healthy either with Tatum and Brown banged up.

A title at 40 makes him undisputed GOAT not only in basketball but in all sports. This is Lebron’s lifelong dream. Only problem now is how he will get Finals MVP over Luka. But Lebron says let’s cross the bridge when we get there. But so far it’s going good and everything’s aligning well.

Warriors were never going to beat the Lakers. The Lakers match up well against the Warriors, the T-Wolves are a tougher matchup honestly. Just a matter of putting a few good offensive games together for this team to get going now.

they might even prefer to play Warriors over Rockets. Houston is a very physical team, chances of injury are much higher than against the Warriors who are a very small team. and going b2b physical series against Minny/Houston heading in to OKC would be a tough ask.

[thinktank]

This shouldn’t be controversial at all:

Added Mike Conley: “There’s been some times where we lose our minds, rightfully so, and there’s been times where we’re just overly concerned with it and giving up fast-break points on the other end. There’s got to be a much stronger effort to leave the refs alone and keep playing through it, because we know we’re going to be kind of behind the eight ball in that aspect of the game. So what. Go play through it and figure it out.”

It makes sense,fans whining: Maybe McDaniels should try to break Luka's ankles again?

Complains about fans whining and then whines himself anyway. Never change, Bob! You’re saiiiiliiiing!

[Bob8]

This shouldn’t be controversial at all:

Added Mike Conley: “There’s been some times where we lose our minds, rightfully so, and there’s been times where we’re just overly concerned with it and giving up fast-break points on the other end. There’s got to be a much stronger effort to leave the refs alone and keep playing through it, because we know we’re going to be kind of behind the eight ball in that aspect of the game. So what. Go play through it and figure it out.”

It makes sense,fans whining: Maybe McDaniels should try to break Luka's ankles again?

Complains about fans whining and then whines himself anyway. Never change, Bob! You’re saiiiiliiiing!

I'm never writing about referring, but I would imagine if you're upset about referring, you should be upset about players wanting to injure other players. No? Butler is injured, Luka could be injured, what if something happens to Ant, because someone has a blackout?

[Scoundreldays]

Yeah this really feels like a cakewalk for the Lakers to the finals. Idk if they can beat Boston once there but who knows tbh Luka was able to push that same team without LeBron James to 6 games so it’s definitely possible.

Probably the most talented and tightly contested West playoff picture in ages. Can’t see any team cakewalking to the finals, especially not the Lakers who have to play small and all-out on D with no plan B.

Agreed even if the Rockets win and I see the Lakers winning that series. Having to play two physical, Athletic teams in a row where Hayes will most likely be pretty useless is not the definition of a cake walk. Plus having to deal with either Draymond or Brookes.

[Bob8]

Yeah this really feels like a cakewalk for the Lakers to the finals. Idk if they can beat Boston once there but who knows tbh Luka was able to push that same team without LeBron James to 6 games so it’s definitely possible.

Probably the most talented and tightly contested West playoff picture in ages. Can’t see any team cakewalking to the finals, especially not the Lakers who have to play small and all-out on D with no plan B.

Agreed even if the Rockets win and I see the Lakers winning that series. Having to play two physical, Athletic teams in a row where Hayes will most likely be pretty useless is not the definition of a cake walk. Plus having to deal with either Draymond or Brookes.

...and this patient.

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[thinktank]

It makes sense,fans whining: Maybe McDaniels should try to break Luka's ankles again?

Complains about fans whining and then whines himself anyway. Never change, Bob! You’re saiiiiliiiing!

I'm never writing about referring, but I would imagine if you're upset about referring, you should be upset about players wanting to injure other players. No? Butler is injured, Luka could be injured, what if something happens to Ant, because someone has a blackout?

Butler is injured. Great point. His injury directly impacts this series. Hard to see how it doesn’t!

Luka could be injured. That’s another great point. I think other players could be injured also but what do I know?

Something could happen to Ant because of a blackout? I’m intrigued. Go on. Are you thinking blackout from alcohol or drugs? Something happens to Ant like he falls into a time warp or something? I’m just thinking out loud here.

Very interested in this new direction of the thread and I hope others are also.

[Bob8]

Complains about fans whining and then whines himself anyway. Never change, Bob! You’re saiiiiliiiing!

I'm never writing about referring, but I would imagine if you're upset about referring, you should be upset about players wanting to injure other players. No? Butler is injured, Luka could be injured, what if something happens to Ant, because someone has a blackout?

Butler is injured. Great point.

Luka could be injured. That’s another great point.

Something could happen to Ant because of a blackout? I’m intrigued. Go on…

Point is, you're whining about bad refereeing but don't want to even admit McDaniels dirty play, which could have really changed everything in the series.

[Mamba Mentality]

Can we just make a separate game thread for Bob and thinktank? These two have been arguing in circles for the past two days.

[thinktank]

I'm never writing about referring, but I would imagine if you're upset about referring, you should be upset about players wanting to injure other players. No? Butler is injured, Luka could be injured, what if something happens to Ant, because someone has a blackout?

Butler is injured. Great point.

Luka could be injured. That’s another great point.

Something could happen to Ant because of a blackout? I’m intrigued. Go on…

Point is, you're whining about bad refereeing but don't want to even admit McDaniels dirty play, which could have really changed everything in the series.

I actually don’t even think McDaniels saw Doncic.

https://youtu.be/Dv37zRTd7QA?si=SbiAJ9pMmUxAS28t

But hey, it’s your right to complain and I hereby acknowledge your complaining.

[Bob8]

Butler is injured. Great point.

Luka could be injured. That’s another great point.

Something could happen to Ant because of a blackout? I’m intrigued. Go on…

Point is, you're whining about bad refereeing but don't want to even admit McDaniels dirty play, which could have really changed everything in the series.

I actually saw McDaniels laying on the ground and Doncic able to step over him but instead he CHOSE to keep messing with McDaniels even though he was already on the ground and defenseless.

https://youtu.be/34aoHXAKpLg?feature=shared

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[thinktank]

Point is, you're whining about bad refereeing but don't want to even admit McDaniels dirty play, which could have really changed everything in the series.

I actually saw McDaniels laying on the ground and Doncic able to step over him but instead he CHOSE to keep messing with McDaniels even though he was already on the ground and defenseless.

https://youtu.be/34aoHXAKpLg?feature=shared

The flop by Doncic after he purposefully spins McDaniels around is indeed hilarious.

I love it!

Be my guest and get that last word in, Bob.