It clinched the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference playoffs and got LeBron James much needed rest, but is there a scenario where the Los Angeles Lakers are a first-round exit from the postseason via sweep?
A couple of NBA media pundits feel that way, including a former player.
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Los Angeles suffered a 95-117 loss at home in game one versus the Minnesota Timberwolves, regardless of 37 points from Luka Doncic. Anthony Edwards and his supporting cast came to play in stunning fans at Crypto.com Arena. Edwards had 22 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists, but the T’Wolves had three other players n double figures. Naz Reid had 23 points off the bench on eight-of-12 shooting from the field. He made six of nine three-point shots, while posting five rebounds, two assists, and two blocks. Jaden McDaniels was highly efficient for Minnesota with 25 points (11-of-13 from the field), nine boards, and two assists.
Marcus Morris, a former NBA player, stated on ESPN’s First Take that the Lakers can be swept if they don’t win game two Tuesday night at home.
“I think [the Lakers getting swept] is a possibility if they lose this game tonight.” ???? @MookMorris2 says the Lakers don’t have the “toughness” that previous LeBron championship teams have had. pic.twitter.com/kEOCywMgbN
— First Take (@FirstTake) April 22, 2025
“If they [Minnesota] can go into L.A. and win this game tonight, then we have a serious problem,” Morris said. “If Ant Edwards can continue to have his supporting cast play at this kind of level, this can go seven games or they [Lakers] can get swept.”
James must have the Lakers with a sense of urgency. Los Angeles can’t afford to go down two games.
Stephen M. Smith is a writer for Ball Exclusives. You can follow him him X via @CoachingMSmith.
