The NBA Playoffs in the West have been nothing but exciting for NBA fans, with teams going back and forth with each other for a spot in the conference finals. The Grizzlies were swept by the Thunder and Warriors, Rockets were going back and forth. NBA fans are filled with nothing but excitement watching their favorite teams go head to head.
But recently Lakers fans were left upset as of game 5. The Minnesota Timberwolves would beat the Lakers in 5 games leaving fans devastated. This was a very close game, with the score being 103-96. Fans expected the Lakers to take it to a 7 game series, but the Lakers could not seem to pull through.
In game 5 the Lakers were looking good in the beginning. But with no answer for Rudy Gobert, this game would take a turn for the worse. Gobert had a historical game recording stats of 27 points, 24 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 12 for 15 shooting an astonishing 80 percent from the field. He would dominate the paint on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. The Lakers have had no good defensive bigs since the Luka Doncic trade involving Anthony Davis. No one can guard the interior against good big men which yet again played a significant role in this tragic loss.
Luka Doncic and Lebron James would lead their team in every stat throughout this series, with little or no help from any of their other players. Luka would have to put the team on his back, averaging 30 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists, leading in almost every stat, but it just was not enough. Lebron would average 25 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists while being the main anchor for the Lakers defense averaging 2 blocks and 2 steals.
What’s next for Lebron James? What’s the next step for the Lakers? Lebron James is in his final years of the NBA being 40 years old as of 2025 and is still putting up MVP-caliber numbers. The Lakers have their young star (Luka) they now need to capitalize on Lebron James before he’s too old. Lebron should request a trade to go play for a contending team such as the Nicks, or Thunder or even reunite with the Cavaliers for his final years or go see to the Warriors and team up with Steph to try and make the title run that every NBA fan has wanted to see.
