Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: Live Updates, Score & Highlights from Game 5
Date: April 30, 2025
Location: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
TV: TNT | Streaming: Fubo | Tip-Off Time: 10 p.m. ET
The Los Angeles Lakers are facing elimination as they battle the Minnesota Timberwolves in a must-win Game 5 at home in the 2025 NBA Playoffs. Trailing the series 3-1, the pressure is on for LeBron James and company to extend their season. Will the Lakers bounce back in front of their home crowd, or will Minnesota close out the series on the road?
🔥 Game 5 Key Highlights & Live Updates
⏱️ End of Q3: Timberwolves 81, Lakers 80
The Lakers roared back in the third quarter, outscoring Minnesota 31-22 to cut the deficit to one. Luka Doncic, battling a lower back injury, returned to the court with a brace and delivered 13 points in the quarter, bringing his total to 25. Dorian Finney-Smith gave the Lakers their first lead of the game with a clutch three-pointer.
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Rudy Gobert leads the Timberwolves with 24 points
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Anthony Edwards has 13 points but has struggled since halftime
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LeBron James: 19 points, 10 rebounds
📸 Kyrie Irving Spotted Courtside
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving was seen at Crypto.com Arena supporting former teammates LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Despite being out with a torn ACL, Irving's presence drew media attention.
⛹️ Halftime Score: Timberwolves 59, Lakers 49
Minnesota dominated the first half, thanks to Rudy Gobert’s paint presence (15 points, 8 rebounds). Anthony Edwards added 10 points. The Lakers had no answer for the Wolves’ interior offense and trailed by double digits throughout the half.
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Luka Doncic exited late in the second quarter after a hard fall but returned in Q3
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LeBron James and Rui Hachimura paced the Lakers with 10 points each
😬 Injury Scare: Luka Doncic to Locker Room
Late in the second quarter, Luka Doncic fell hard after being fouled by Donte DiVincenzo. He clutched his back in pain and briefly left the court before returning for the third quarter.
🚨 End of Q1: Timberwolves 31, Lakers 22
The Timberwolves came out firing, jumping to a 21-9 lead. Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle combined for 17 first-quarter points. Luka Doncic was limited to just 5 points and picked up two early fouls, hampering the Lakers’ offense.
🗣️ Pregame Drama: JJ Redick Claps Back
First-year Lakers head coach JJ Redick cut his pregame press conference short after being questioned about his substitution strategies. Redick defended his coaching decisions and abruptly exited the interview, adding some off-court tension to an already high-stakes night.
✅ Starting Lineups for Game 5
Los Angeles Lakers
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PG: Luka Doncic
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SG: Austin Reaves
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SF: LeBron James
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PF: Rui Hachimura
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C: Jaxson Hayes
Minnesota Timberwolves
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PG: Mike Conley
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SG: Anthony Edwards
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SF: Jaden McDaniels
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PF: Julius Randle
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C: Rudy Gobert
📺 How to Watch Lakers vs. Timberwolves Game 5
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Date: Wednesday, April 30
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Time: 10:00 PM ET
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TV Channel: TNT
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Live Stream: Fubo
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Location: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
📊 NBA Playoffs History: Can the Lakers Come Back from 3-1?
Historically, NBA teams trailing 3-1 in a playoff series are 13-275. LeBron James has been on the right side of history before, leading the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers to a historic comeback. Can he do it again in 2025?
🏀 What’s at Stake?
This is a do-or-die scenario for the Lakers. A win sends the series back to Minnesota for Game 6; a loss ends their season. The Timberwolves, meanwhile, are aiming to advance to the second round for the first time since 2004.
📝 Final Thoughts
The Lakers' fate hangs in the balance in Game 5. With Doncic's injury status looming large and LeBron playing like a man on a mission, this game could be one for the ages. Stay tuned for more live coverage, real-time updates, and postgame analysis.
Tags: #Lakers #Timberwolves #NBAPlayoffs #Game5 #LeBronJames #LukaDoncic #AnthonyEdwards #NBA2025 #NBALiveScore #NBAHighlights
