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

Moderators: Clav, Domejandro, ken6199, bisme37, Dirk, KingDavid, cupcakesnake, bwgood77, zimpy27, infinite11285

Who wins?

Poll ended at Wed Apr 30, 2025 4:16 pm

Lakers in 6
6
6%
Lakers in 7
17
18%
Wolves in 5
28
29%
Wolves in 6
39
41%
Wolves in 7
5
5%
 
Total votes: 95

TravisScott55
Lead Assistant
Posts: 5,139
And1: 5,678
Joined: Aug 23, 2017
   

Re: 2025 NBA PLAYOFFS West First Round: #3 LA Lakers vs #6 Minnesota Timberwolves (MIN leads 3-1) 

Post#1901 » by TravisScott55 » Mon Apr 28, 2025 2:57 am

Ant dispatched Durant last year, now Luka and Lebron this year potentially.
falcolombardi
General Manager
Posts: 9,563
And1: 7,166
Joined: Apr 13, 2021
       

Re: 2025 NBA PLAYOFFS West First Round: #3 LA Lakers vs #6 Minnesota Timberwolves (MIN leads 3-1) 

Post#1902 » by falcolombardi » Mon Apr 28, 2025 2:58 am

TravisScott55 wrote:Ant dispatched Durant last year, now Luka and Lebron this year potentially.


And jokic lmao, surprised you mentioned durant instead
TravisScott55
Lead Assistant
Posts: 5,139
And1: 5,678
Joined: Aug 23, 2017
   

Re: 2025 NBA PLAYOFFS West First Round: #3 LA Lakers vs #6 Minnesota Timberwolves (MIN leads 3-1) 

Post#1903 » by TravisScott55 » Mon Apr 28, 2025 2:59 am

falcolombardi wrote:
TravisScott55 wrote:Ant dispatched Durant last year, now Luka and Lebron this year potentially.


And jokic lmao, surprised you mentioned durant instead


Oh yes lol, totally forgot they beat the Nuggets last year.
cgf
RealGM
Posts: 35,085
And1: 14,457
Joined: Jul 01, 2008
   

Re: 2025 NBA PLAYOFFS West First Round: #3 LA Lakers vs #6 Minnesota Timberwolves (MIN leads 2-1) 

Post#1904 » by cgf » Mon Apr 28, 2025 3:00 am

CobraCommander wrote:
Optms wrote:
KGdaBom wrote:Wolves fan here. LeBron is without question the GOAT.


Lebron hate crew will be running wild after this loss. No point in talking sense.

Look I think Mj the goat but come on - this dude was pretty much the best player on the court for most of the game and Luka and Ant and Randal were out there -

People had burst - but LBJ was playing aggressive - thing in the clutch happen - but man this man played like a monster for 2 games in a row -

Sometime the other team wins more than you lose


Randal is a weird nickname for Julius.

:P
Capn'O wrote:We're the recovering meth addict older brother. And we've been clean for a few years now, thank you very much. Very uncouth to bring it up.

Brunson: So what are you paid to do?
Hart: Run around like an idiot during the game and f*** s*** up!
Sealab2024
Starter
Posts: 2,158
And1: 3,153
Joined: Dec 29, 2023
   

Re: 2025 NBA PLAYOFFS West First Round: #3 LA Lakers vs #6 Minnesota Timberwolves (MIN leads 3-1) 

Post#1905 » by Sealab2024 » Mon Apr 28, 2025 3:00 am

TravisScott55 wrote:Ant dispatched Durant last year, now Luka and Lebron this year potentially.


Local Minnesota outlets are starting to refer to Ant as "the Legend Killer". If they can close the Lakers out the likely next opponent is Steph, Jimmy and Dray. It'd be hype.
From a fundamental standpoint it is better for a man to have nothing but be under the protection of Jesus Christ than for him to have everything he could ever want yet be completely without.
thinktank
Assistant Coach
Posts: 4,300
And1: 2,639
Joined: Jul 02, 2010
Location: Mpls

Re: 2025 NBA PLAYOFFS West First Round: #3 LA Lakers vs #6 Minnesota Timberwolves (MIN leads 3-1) 

Post#1906 » by thinktank » Mon Apr 28, 2025 3:07 am

Did I just read Lakers now have home court advantage?

Pass the designer drugs.
vxmike
Head Coach
Posts: 6,658
And1: 4,568
Joined: Sep 24, 2014
 

Re: 2025 NBA PLAYOFFS West First Round: #3 LA Lakers vs #6 Minnesota Timberwolves (MIN leads 3-1) 

Post#1907 » by vxmike » Mon Apr 28, 2025 3:09 am

art_tatum wrote:
SlimShady83 wrote:
art_tatum wrote:imo would trade lebron for what every value he has and rebuild around luka. why drag it out? maybe when the cavs lose, trade lebron back there for some good pieces and for hte cavs you hope lebrons experience can help the cavs star get a chip. too much money tied to lebron in la whne luka has to get max too.

:lol: :lol: :lol:


Should the lakers spend 3 years of Luka’s prime to cater to LeBron and his farewell tour or fully build around Luka?
They are both great players but their skill set overlaps too much. Next year LeBron will even be worse bc of age


Yeah LeBron is still very very good. You trade some assets to upgrade this summer. The following summer all their bad contracts expire (Vincent, Kleber) plus Rui and DFS so they’ll actually have cap space to build around Luka. If LeBron doesn’t retire his next contract won’t be $50m/yr.
User avatar
KingFox
Lead Assistant
Posts: 5,087
And1: 5,277
Joined: Dec 23, 2014
 

Re: 2025 NBA PLAYOFFS West First Round: #3 LA Lakers vs #6 Minnesota Timberwolves (MIN leads 3-1) 

Post#1908 » by KingFox » Mon Apr 28, 2025 3:09 am

I’m happy for Wolves fans. People were giving them hell for the Towns trade and during their regular season struggles, but they were always going to be a tough out for most teams. This matchup in particular was the worst possible outcome for LA outside of having to play OKC IMO
Loaf_of_bread
Bench Warmer
Posts: 1,364
And1: 642
Joined: Nov 21, 2023
     

Re: 2025 NBA PLAYOFFS West First Round: #3 LA Lakers vs #6 Minnesota Timberwolves (MIN leads 3-1) 

Post#1909 » by Loaf_of_bread » Mon Apr 28, 2025 3:28 am

JJ's post game comments are kind of funny. Of course your players want to be in the game, this isn't mlb and talking with a starting pitcher.. Team was exhausted. Rookie coaching move.
User avatar
The Warrior
Head Coach
Posts: 6,371
And1: 10,569
Joined: Jul 17, 2012
 

Re: 2025 NBA PLAYOFFS West First Round: #3 LA Lakers vs #6 Minnesota Timberwolves (MIN leads 3-1) 

Post#1910 » by The Warrior » Mon Apr 28, 2025 3:30 am

Image
"Ain't no party like a Diddy party" - LeBron James
TimberKat
Lead Assistant
Posts: 5,993
And1: 3,025
Joined: Jul 02, 2022
         

Re: 2025 NBA PLAYOFFS West First Round: #3 LA Lakers vs #6 Minnesota Timberwolves (MIN leads 3-1) 

Post#1911 » by TimberKat » Mon Apr 28, 2025 3:39 am

vxmike wrote:
art_tatum wrote:
SlimShady83 wrote: :lol: :lol: :lol:


Should the lakers spend 3 years of Luka’s prime to cater to LeBron and his farewell tour or fully build around Luka?
They are both great players but their skill set overlaps too much. Next year LeBron will even be worse bc of age


Yeah LeBron is still very very good. You trade some assets to upgrade this summer. The following summer all their bad contracts expire (Vincent, Kleber) plus Rui and DFS so they’ll actually have cap space to build around Luka. If LeBron doesn’t retire his next contract won’t be $50m/yr.

Is this a serious conversation? Doesn't all basketball players basically run, shoot, pass, rebound, play-d? Doesn't Kyrie overlap with Luka? Is the question really does LBJ take the spotlight away from Luka?

LBJ is still a top 15 player. You want Anthony Davis to go with Luka? Put Jokic next to Luka and you will give up 140 pts a game. Lakers just need to find other complementary pieces around the stars and you need multiple stars on a team.
User avatar
The Warrior
Head Coach
Posts: 6,371
And1: 10,569
Joined: Jul 17, 2012
 

Re: 2025 NBA PLAYOFFS West First Round: #3 LA Lakers vs #6 Minnesota Timberwolves (MIN leads 2-1) 

Post#1912 » by The Warrior » Mon Apr 28, 2025 3:50 am

Iwasawitness wrote:
The Warrior wrote:
Iwasawitness wrote:
I don’t think you know what choking means.


Deferring and coming up short consistently when it matters. Thanks.

Sent from my Pixel 6a using RealGM mobile app


No lol


Yes... :crazy:

Take off your Lebron cult sunglasses and understand that he's not immune to criticism. Since you apparently need the exact definition in basketball terms, choking means failing to perform well under pressure, especially in important moments of a game, leading to mistakes like missed shots, turnovers, or bad decisions. Check check and check.

Lakers last 3 posessions not including the Lebron foul on Anthony Edwards which put them up by 3.

-Lebron bricked jumpshot
-Lebron turnover
-Lebron giving it up to Reaves (can't fault him too much on this one but he's the King right)
"Ain't no party like a Diddy party" - LeBron James
ScrantonBulls
Starter
Posts: 2,437
And1: 3,429
Joined: Nov 18, 2023
     

Re: 2025 NBA PLAYOFFS West First Round: #3 LA Lakers vs #6 Minnesota Timberwolves (MIN leads 3-1) 

Post#1913 » by ScrantonBulls » Mon Apr 28, 2025 3:56 am

TimberKat wrote:
vxmike wrote:
art_tatum wrote:
Should the lakers spend 3 years of Luka’s prime to cater to LeBron and his farewell tour or fully build around Luka?
They are both great players but their skill set overlaps too much. Next year LeBron will even be worse bc of age


Yeah LeBron is still very very good. You trade some assets to upgrade this summer. The following summer all their bad contracts expire (Vincent, Kleber) plus Rui and DFS so they’ll actually have cap space to build around Luka. If LeBron doesn’t retire his next contract won’t be $50m/yr.

Is this a serious conversation? Doesn't all basketball players basically run, shoot, pass, rebound, play-d? Doesn't Kyrie overlap with Luka? Is the question really does LBJ take the spotlight away from Luka?

LBJ is still a top 15 player. You want Anthony Davis to go with Luka? Put Jokic next to Luka and you will give up 140 pts a game. Lakers just need to find other complementary pieces around the stars and you need multiple stars on a team.

Imagine thinking it's bad or "overlapping skillets" to have multiple playmakers that can dribble, run point, distribute the ball, shoot, rebound, etc. I wonder if the people who say this stuff legitimately believe what they're saying. That's art Tatum at his finest I suppose.
bledredwine wrote:There were 3 times Jordan won and was considered the underdog

1989 Eastern Conference Finals against the Detroit Pistons, the 1991 NBA Finals against the Magic Johnson-led Los Angeles Lakers, and the 1995 Eastern Conference Finals against the NY Knicks
Iwasawitness
Head Coach
Posts: 6,358
And1: 7,633
Joined: Sep 05, 2023
     

Re: 2025 NBA PLAYOFFS West First Round: #3 LA Lakers vs #6 Minnesota Timberwolves (MIN leads 2-1) 

Post#1914 » by Iwasawitness » Mon Apr 28, 2025 4:01 am

The Warrior wrote:
Iwasawitness wrote:
The Warrior wrote:
Deferring and coming up short consistently when it matters. Thanks.

Sent from my Pixel 6a using RealGM mobile app


No lol


Yes... :crazy:

Take off your Lebron cult sunglasses and understand that he's not immune to criticism. Since you apparently need the exact definition in basketball terms, choking means failing to perform well under pressure, especially in important moments of a game, leading to mistakes like missed shots, turnovers, or bad decisions. Check check and check.

Lakers last 3 posessions not including the Lebron foul on Anthony Edwards which put them up by 3.

-Lebron bricked jumpshot
-Lebron turnover
-Lebron giving it up to Reaves (can't fault him too much on this one but he's the King right)


I criticize him frequently, when it makes sense.

Now that you’re actually using the proper definition, let’s apply some context here shall we?

LeBron had multiple defensive stops that led to baskets at the other end right before those very things you just mentioned. He literally played the entire half and is 40. But more importantly, we’ve seen him have some of the most clutch performances of all time. So no, at 40 years of age in the first round of the playoffs, I do not think he “choked”. Use your brain here.
LakerLegend wrote:LeBron was literally more athletic at 35 than he was at 20
nitric0
RealGM
Posts: 12,594
And1: 1,415
Joined: Jan 27, 2008

Re: 2025 NBA PLAYOFFS West First Round: #3 LA Lakers vs #6 Minnesota Timberwolves (MIN leads 3-1) 

Post#1915 » by nitric0 » Mon Apr 28, 2025 4:03 am

LeBron tried Luka cried Shannon lied. Wolves in five
“We were right there with them. We dominated for most of the game, but then Derrick Rose happened.” - Al Horford
User avatar
The Warrior
Head Coach
Posts: 6,371
And1: 10,569
Joined: Jul 17, 2012
 

Re: 2025 NBA PLAYOFFS West First Round: #3 LA Lakers vs #6 Minnesota Timberwolves (MIN leads 2-1) 

Post#1916 » by The Warrior » Mon Apr 28, 2025 4:05 am

Iwasawitness wrote:
The Warrior wrote:
Iwasawitness wrote:
No lol


Yes... :crazy:

Take off your Lebron cult sunglasses and understand that he's not immune to criticism. Since you apparently need the exact definition in basketball terms, choking means failing to perform well under pressure, especially in important moments of a game, leading to mistakes like missed shots, turnovers, or bad decisions. Check check and check.

Lakers last 3 posessions not including the Lebron foul on Anthony Edwards which put them up by 3.

-Lebron bricked jumpshot
-Lebron turnover
-Lebron giving it up to Reaves (can't fault him too much on this one but he's the King right)


I criticize him frequently, when it makes sense.

Now that you’re actually using the proper definition, let’s apply some context here shall we?

LeBron had multiple defensive stops that led to baskets at the other end right before those very things you just mentioned. He literally played the entire half and is 40. But more importantly, we’ve seen him have some of the most clutch performances of all time. So no, at 40 years of age in the first round of the playoffs, I do not think he “choked”. Use your brain here.


I literally used the same definition except in more detail in my follow up post. Take your own advice. :crazy:
"Ain't no party like a Diddy party" - LeBron James
TheFire
Pro Prospect
Posts: 890
And1: 1,271
Joined: Feb 19, 2012

Re: 2025 NBA PLAYOFFS West First Round: #3 LA Lakers vs #6 Minnesota Timberwolves (MIN leads 3-1) 

Post#1917 » by TheFire » Mon Apr 28, 2025 4:09 am

After the slow start, this Wolves team looks better than the team from last year. Ant, Naz, and Jalen all got another year on their belt and the drop off from Kat to Randle hasn’t been that big + they got DD to make their depth even better.
User avatar
TheGOATRises007
RealGM
Posts: 21,509
And1: 20,153
Joined: Oct 05, 2013
         

Re: 2025 NBA PLAYOFFS West First Round: #3 LA Lakers vs #6 Minnesota Timberwolves (MIN leads 3-1) 

Post#1918 » by TheGOATRises007 » Mon Apr 28, 2025 4:20 am

TheFire wrote:After the slow start, this Wolves team looks better than the team from last year. Ant, Naz, and Jalen all got another year on their belt and the drop off from Kat to Randle hasn’t been that big + they got DD to make their depth even better.


They're around the same level I'd say. Might be slightly better.

If Kat wasn't horrific vs the Mavs, the Wolves might have won that series.

They're really good. Underestimated them and picked Lakers in 6 before the series. Changed my mind after g1.
canada_dry
General Manager
Posts: 8,987
And1: 7,043
Joined: Aug 22, 2017

Re: 2025 NBA PLAYOFFS West First Round: #3 LA Lakers vs #6 Minnesota Timberwolves (MIN leads 3-1) 

Post#1919 » by canada_dry » Mon Apr 28, 2025 4:23 am

3-1 is pretty crazy

Sent from my SM-G960W using RealGM mobile app
User avatar
Scottie Pimpin
Freshman
Posts: 98
And1: 153
Joined: Jun 14, 2022
 

Re: 2025 NBA PLAYOFFS West First Round: #3 LA Lakers vs #6 Minnesota Timberwolves (MIN leads 2-1) 

Post#1920 » by Scottie Pimpin » Mon Apr 28, 2025 4:26 am

Iwasawitness wrote:
The Warrior wrote:
Iwasawitness wrote:
No lol


Yes... :crazy:

Take off your Lebron cult sunglasses and understand that he's not immune to criticism. Since you apparently need the exact definition in basketball terms, choking means failing to perform well under pressure, especially in important moments of a game, leading to mistakes like missed shots, turnovers, or bad decisions. Check check and check.

Lakers last 3 posessions not including the Lebron foul on Anthony Edwards which put them up by 3.

-Lebron bricked jumpshot
-Lebron turnover
-Lebron giving it up to Reaves (can't fault him too much on this one but he's the King right)


I criticize him frequently, when it makes sense.

Now that you’re actually using the proper definition, let’s apply some context here shall we?

LeBron had multiple defensive stops that led to baskets at the other end right before those very things you just mentioned. He literally played the entire half and is 40. But more importantly, we’ve seen him have some of the most clutch performances of all time. So no, at 40 years of age in the first round of the playoffs, I do not think he “choked”. Use your brain here.


Well if you're going to use his longevity as a reason for his goatness, then people are allowed to criticize him for choking regardless of his age and regardless if it's the first round of the playoffs or the finals. Put aside your clear double standards.

Return to The General Board