LeBron James Shines, But Lakers Fall to Timberwolves in Game 3

LeBron James scored a game-high 38 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, but it was not enough to save the Los Angeles Lakers from a 116-104 defeat against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 3 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series on Friday night in Minneapolis.

Austin Reaves added 20 points for the Lakers, helped by five three-pointers, while Luka Doncic finished with 17 points, eight assists and seven rebounds. However, Doncic struggled with his shooting, making only 6 of 16 shots from the field and 2 of 8 from beyond the arc, and he also committed five of the Lakers’ 19 turnovers.

Despite leading 58-54 at half-time, the Lakers could not keep control in the second half, where they were outscored 62-46.

James kept the Lakers in the game, including an alley-oop dunk that briefly closed the gap in the third quarter, but the Timberwolves found another gear in the final minutes. Jaden McDaniels led Minnesota with 30 points, while Anthony Edwards added 29.

Late in the fourth quarter, Doncic managed to tie the game at 103-103 with a step-back jumper, but Minnesota quickly pulled away. Edwards hit a three-pointer to put the Timberwolves back in front, and Naz Reid followed with another from the wing. Edwards then drove past James for a layup to extend the lead, and moments later, he thrilled the home crowd with a dribble move and a long three-pointer.

Rui Hachimura missed a key three-pointer for the Lakers soon after, and McDaniels sealed the win with another three from the corner.

The Timberwolves now lead the best-of-seven series 2-1. Game 4 will also be played in Minneapolis on Sunday afternoon.