NBA legend Magic Johnson knows exactly what went wrong for the Los Angeles Lakers in their Game 4 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday.

While Johnson took issue with JJ Redick’s coaching and decision-making in the game—particularly how he played LeBron James and Luka Doncic for the entire second half—he highlighted that there’s one glaring issue that really doomed the Purple and Gold.

In a first half largely dominated by the Lakers, LeBron James scored 22 points and Luka Doncic added 21. However, Julius Randle’s 3-pointer before halftime gave Minnesota a 61-58 lead.

As play resumed after the break, the Lakers started with a 14-0 run to take control of the game. However, their reliance on just five key players took a toll as the showdown progressed. 

Doncic, who battled through a stomach virus in Game 3 less than 48 hours earlier, struggled in the final frame, shooting just 1-of-6 from the field. Meanwhile, James failed to score in the fourth quarter.

As a team, the Lakers managed only one two-point field goal in the final period, highlighting their late-game struggles.

Now, according to Magic Johnson, the Lakers’ failure to sink their other shots aside from their 3-pointers cost them Game 4.

“What it came down to is this – the Lakers didn’t get enough 2-point shots in this game,” the Hall of Fame guard said.

Overall, the Lakers made just 17 two-point shots, which pales in comparison to the Timberwolves’ 24.

What it came down to is this – the Lakers didn’t get enough 2-point shots in this game.

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 27, 2025

The Lakers fell to Minnesota 116-113, putting them down 3-1 in the series and one defeat away from elimination.

They now face an uphill battle, as only 13 teams in NBA playoff history have overcome a 3-1 deficit.

The Lakers and Timberwolves will have a few days off before playing Game 5 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Wednesday night.

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