Lakers Eliminated by Timberwolves, Dominated by Gobert in 103-96 Game 5 Loss
A postseason that began with so much optimism ended far, far faster than virtually anyone expected.The Lakers lose Game 5 to the Wolves Wednesday at the Crypt, final score 103-96. Minnesota left the door wide open for the Lakers, but they couldn't push through. They came out incredibly tight, seemingly unsure of what they wanted to do on the floor. Little breaks that didn't go their way seemed to frustrate them (think airballs landing in the arms of a waiting Wolves player). Luka Dončić took a shot to his back late in the first half, and had to go back to the locker room. It was an open question whether he'd return, emerging from the tunnel only moments before the third quarter started. Still, the Lakers fought back, and again had a chance to win heading into the fourth quarter.And again, they couldn't score enough to get it done. 16 points in the fourth is a fitting final 12 minutes, given how that was a problem all series. The Lakers didn't average 20 points across the five Q4s in the series, a remarkable bit of futility.There are plenty of questions to ask. Austin Reaves had a horrible series. Luka faced a lot of adversity, but wasn't everything the Lakers needed. LeBron put in a heroic effort in many ways, but the Lakers needed a bigger presence in fourth quarters throughout the series. DFS? The bench? Centers?Not much there, either. And then there's JJ Redick, and his decision making.It's going to be a fascinating offseason, following what was one of the most incredible, unpredictable and transformational Lakers seasons in history.Hosts: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: Lakers lose, season over.SEGMENT 2: What went wrong?SEGMENT 3: What's next? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Amazon Fire TV Stick 4KDid you know your Fire TV is also an Xbox? Turn any TV into your gaming and entertainment hub with Fire TV Stick 4K devices — no console required. Head to Amazon.com/firetvlockedon to get started. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription and compatible controller required. CarGurusBuy or sell your next car today with CarGurus at CarGurus.comto make sure your big deal is the best deal. WayFairAfter the holiday hustle, there’s nothing like giving your home a little TLC. Give your home the refresh it needs with Wayfair. Head to Wayfair.com right now. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year. GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuelRight now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
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