The Lakers currently trail the Timberwolves 3-1 in their first-round series. The winner of the Wolves-Lakers series will advance to the second round to play the winner of the Golden State Warriors-Houston Rockets series, which the Warriors lead 3-2 after the Rockets won Game 5 Wednesday.

The Los Angeles Lakers faced the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of their first round series, an elimination game for LeBron James and company. Los Angeles entered the game down 3-1 in the first-round series, attempting to extend the matchup. Game 5 was played in Los Angeles, giving the Lakers a leg up to push the series to another game.

NBA superstar LeBron James is expected to return for the 2025-26 season, but it may not be with the Los Angeles Lakers.