The Los Angeles Lakers’ 2024-25 season ended with a 103-96 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series, resulting in a 4-1 series defeat. Despite having championship aspirations following the midseason acquisition of Luka Doncic in exchange for Anthony Davis, the Lakers struggled against Minnesota’s size and physicality, particularly in the paint.
The Lakers’ lack of a true center was exploited throughout the series, particularly in Wednesday’s matchup. Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert, who had not scored more than six points or secured more than 10 rebounds prior to Game 5, dominated with 27 points and 24 boards to send Minnesota to the next round.
In the postgame press conference, LeBron James was asked by reporters about the Lakers having to play center-less basketball since Davis’ departure, and whether that style of basketball caught up with them in the series
“No comment… Because my guy AD said what he needed, and then he was gone the following week,” James said.
This remark referenced Davis’ statement in late January, where he expressed the need for the Lakers to add a center to be title contenders. Shortly after, Davis was traded to the Dallas Mavericks.
“My guy AD said what he needed, and then he was gone the following week.” 😬
-LeBron
(h/t @ohnohedidnt24)
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 1, 2025
James’ comments sparked criticism from fans on social media. Some accused him of deflecting blame, with reactions including:
“Acting like he didn’t give the green light,” one fan wrote.
“LeBron, you traded him. Stop acting. You’re not on set rn,” another fan added.
“One thing he gon do is find a way to blame someone else,” a third fan mentioned.
“The front office didn’t make you shoot 9/21 from the field and 3/6 from the FT line,” another fan posted
“Hilarious that the guy that was responsible for the A.D. trade can play these games and people believe it,” a fan said.
“He got no comment. Then proceeds to comment,” a sixth fan added.
“They gave you Luka…,” another fan wrote.
Related: Rui Hachimura Assigns Blame After Lakers’ Loss to Timberwolves
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