Despite LeBron James’ efforts, which included a crucial shot in the final seconds, the Los Angeles Lakers fell short in a 108-106 defeat against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday’s NBA action. The game’s turning point was a controversial replay ruling that deemed James’ late jumper a 2-pointer, not a 3-pointer, much to his frustration.
On his 39th birthday and battling illness, James still managed to play for the Lakers in their tight contest against the Timberwolves.
Anthony Edwards was the standout performer for Minnesota, scoring 31 points. Naz Reid also played a pivotal role, contributing 21 points off the bench. The Timberwolves, despite committing 19 turnovers, secured their fourth win in five games, improving their impressive home record to 14-1.
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch acknowledged the team’s turnover issues but praised their effective shooting and ball movement. Edwards was particularly crucial in the fourth quarter, scoring crucial points to maintain their lead. Mike Conley’s 3-pointer in the last minute was another key moment, giving the Timberwolves a seven-point lead.
“It was the same story that we talked about before the game,” Finch said. “We shoot 50%, (have) 19 turnovers. Whenever we didn’t turn it over, we got pretty decent looks. Sometimes the switching bothered us a little bit, but I thought we moved it really well, and just turnovers continue to plague us.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
James, a game-time decision due to a non-COVID-19 related illness, expressed his disappointment over the replay decision, which he felt clearly showed his shot as a 3-pointer.
“It’s obviously a 3,” James said. “My foot is behind the line. I mean, you can see the space between the front of my foot and the 3-point line. You can clearly see a white, the wood on the floor. There’s a space in between the front of my foot and the 3-point line. So, you know, Stevie Wonder can see that, champ.”
Edwards, prepared for a game-winning scenario, was surprised to learn that James’ shot was ruled a 2-pointer.
“I had no clue,” Edwards said. “I was ready to hit the game-winner, for real. I was ready for Finchy to draw up a play for me. I was ready for that, I didn’t even know it was a 2 until everybody was saying it.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 33 points, 17 rebounds, and eight assists, but their efforts weren’t enough. The Lakers struggled with their shooting, especially from beyond the arc, and have now lost seven of their last ten games.
“We had some guys that had some great looks, looks they normally knock down that they didn’t knock down,” Lakers coach Darvin Ham said.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
The Lakers’ new lineup, focused on a larger starting five with Davis at the center, initially gave them an early lead. Still, the Timberwolves’ shooting, particularly from Reid, turned the game around.
“Once again, he saves us,” Edwards said of Reid. “So yeah, it’s always strength in numbers or whatever you wanna call it.”
Looking ahead, the Lakers are set to face New Orleans in a back-to-back game on Sunday afternoon, while the Timberwolves will meet the New York Knicks on New Year’s Day.
