For the first time in NBA history, the Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated twice, first by the Timberwolves, then the Warriors.

In a season full of unexpected twists and drama, the Los Angeles Lakers faced a historic setback in the 2025 NBA Playoffs. For the first time in NBA history, the Lakers were eliminated twice in the same postseason, with both exits coming at the hands of teams that, in previous years, would have been considered underdogs in their matchups. The first elimination came at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves, a team that had struggled to find consistency in recent seasons but had put it all together for a surprising postseason run. The second elimination, even more shocking, came at the hands of the Golden State Warriors, a division rival who had endured a turbulent season but found a way to dethrone the Lakers in what could be considered one of the most dramatic playoff series in NBA history.

To fully understand the significance of these unprecedented eliminations, we must examine several key elements: the Lakers’ performance and struggles during the 2025 season, the rise of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors as legitimate playoff contenders, and how these teams were able to exploit the Lakers’ weaknesses. Along the way, we will explore how this marks a turning point for the Lakers and what the future holds for a franchise that has long been synonymous with dominance in the NBA.

The Lakers’ 2025 Season: Expectations vs. Reality

The 2025 NBA season was supposed to be the culmination of the Lakers’ grand plan—a roster built around LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and a supporting cast of seasoned veterans and young talent. The franchise, fresh off a strong playoff run in 2024, was poised to make a deep playoff push. General manager Rob Pelinka had done an admirable job of surrounding LeBron and Davis with complementary pieces, and the Lakers entered the season with championship aspirations.

LeBron James, who was now in his 21st season, had shown little sign of slowing down. Still playing at an MVP-caliber level, LeBron continued to defy age with his elite basketball IQ, passing, and scoring ability. Anthony Davis, when healthy, was a dominant force on both ends of the court, capable of guarding multiple positions and scoring at will in the paint. The addition of solid role players like Malik Beasley, Rui Hachimura, and the steady veteran presence of D’Angelo Russell provided much-needed depth. The Lakers appeared to have all the ingredients for a championship contender.

However, the season was far from perfect. The team struggled with consistency, particularly in the regular season, where injuries and depth issues plagued the Lakers. Davis, despite his undeniable talent, missed significant time due to injury, and LeBron James, while still great, couldn’t shoulder the entire load every night. The Lakers also faced challenges with their bench scoring and perimeter defense, areas in which they were often exposed by faster, more explosive teams.

Despite finishing with a respectable seeding in the Western Conference, the Lakers were not as dominant as many had expected them to be. Their struggles throughout the regular season became magnified in the postseason, particularly when they found themselves up against two teams—Minnesota and Golden State—that had the tools to exploit their weaknesses.

The Minnesota Timberwolves: The Unlikely Hero of the West

The first unexpected elimination came at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves, a team that had made some major strides over the last few seasons but had not been seen as a legitimate playoff contender. The Timberwolves, led by the dynamic duo of Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards, had an up-and-down regular season but entered the playoffs with a renewed sense of confidence and chemistry. The key to their success in 2025 was their defensive improvements, led by the addition of seasoned defensive players and the maturation of their young core.

Karl-Anthony Towns, a 7-foot center, had been at the center of trade rumors for years, but in 2025, he took his game to another level. His ability to stretch the floor with three-point shooting and dominate inside made him an elite two-way player. Anthony Edwards, the emerging star of the Timberwolves, played like a true superstar, leading the team in scoring and clutch moments.

In their playoff series against the Lakers, the Timberwolves’ defense, spearheaded by Towns’ improved rim protection and Edwards’ athleticism, stifled the Lakers’ offense. Davis struggled to find consistent footing against the Timberwolves’ frontcourt, while LeBron’s ability to elevate the play of his teammates was stunted by poor perimeter shooting and a lack of scoring depth. The Timberwolves’ size and athleticism gave the Lakers fits, as they were able to match the Lakers’ defensive intensity while executing offensively at a high level.

Minnesota’s balanced attack and commitment to team defense ultimately proved too much for Los Angeles to overcome. The Lakers were unable to establish any offensive rhythm, and their defensive lapses were exploited by Edwards and Towns. The Timberwolves won the series in a gritty, hard-fought 6-game series, marking the first of two consecutive eliminations for the Lakers.

The Golden State Warriors: A Familiar Foe with a New Twist

After their shocking elimination by the Timberwolves, the Lakers’ path to redemption became even more complicated with the Golden State Warriors standing in their way. Despite a tumultuous regular season, the Warriors were still very much a threat in the Western Conference. Led by Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson, the Warriors had the experience and championship pedigree that the Lakers lacked at times during their struggles.

However, what made the Warriors dangerous in 2025 was their ability to adjust to the new era of NBA basketball. While their “small ball” lineup had become a signature part of their offense, they were no longer solely reliant on shooting. The addition of key role players like Jordan Poole, Kevon Looney, and Jonathan Kuminga provided the Warriors with the versatility they needed to compete against teams that were focused on height and size, like the Lakers.

In their playoff series against the Lakers, the Warriors were able to exploit several key weaknesses that had plagued Los Angeles throughout the season. Curry’s shooting and playmaking kept the Lakers’ defense on their heels, and the Warriors’ ability to stretch the floor with shooting created significant matchup problems. With Thompson and Poole providing additional perimeter scoring, the Warriors’ offense flowed seamlessly, and the Lakers found themselves outmatched defensively.

The series was incredibly competitive, but Golden State’s experience in close games and their superior shooting efficiency were decisive factors. The Lakers’ offensive woes were magnified in the postseason, and they simply couldn’t match the Warriors’ firepower. Even with LeBron James and Anthony Davis playing at a high level, the Lakers couldn’t keep pace with the Warriors’ balanced attack.

In the end, the Warriors were able to knock off the Lakers in a seven-game series, securing their second consecutive elimination of the season. The loss to Golden State was even more painful for the Lakers because it represented a failure on multiple fronts. The Lakers, who had been considered one of the favorites to win the NBA title, had been dispatched by two teams that, while talented, were not expected to make such an impact.

Why the Lakers Struggled: A Deeper Look

The Lakers’ elimination at the hands of both Minnesota and Golden State was not a case of bad luck but rather a reflection of their inability to consistently perform when it mattered most. There were several factors that contributed to their downfall.

Injury Issues: Throughout the season, the Lakers were plagued by injuries, particularly to Anthony Davis, who missed critical time. LeBron James, though still playing at an elite level, could not carry the team on his own. The lack of consistent health from their stars exposed the team’s lack of depth.

Perimeter Shooting: One of the most glaring weaknesses of the Lakers in 2025 was their perimeter shooting. Despite having LeBron James and Anthony Davis as offensive anchors, the Lakers struggled to consistently knock down shots from beyond the arc. This allowed opposing defenses to sag off their shooters, clogging the paint and limiting their ability to score efficiently.

Defensive Lapses: While the Lakers boasted strong individual defenders in Davis and James, their overall team defense was inconsistent. The Timberwolves and Warriors were able to exploit mismatches and create open looks, leaving the Lakers scrambling to adjust.

Depth and Bench Play: One of the most significant issues for the Lakers was their lack of depth. While their stars were capable of carrying the load, the Lakers’ bench failed to provide the necessary scoring and defensive support in critical moments.

The Aftermath: What’s Next for the Lakers?

The 2025 NBA playoffs will be remembered as a season of disappointment for the Los Angeles Lakers. A team built around two of the league’s biggest stars was eliminated twice, with both teams exploiting the Lakers’ weaknesses in a way that no one expected. As the Lakers enter the offseason, there will undoubtedly be calls for roster changes, with many questioning whether it’s time for the team to make bold moves in order to contend again.

The Lakers’ path forward will require significant adjustments, particularly in terms of depth, perimeter shooting, and overall team defense. The front office will need to make tough decisions regarding their roster, whether that involves trading assets, signing new players, or retooling their system to better support LeBron and Davis.

For now, the Lakers find themselves at a crossroads, and the team’s future will hinge on how they address the shortcomings exposed in their historic eliminations during the 2025 postseason. With the ever-growing competition in the Western Conference, the Lakers’ window for another championship may be closing, but how they respond to this setback will determine whether they can bounce back or continue to falter in the postseason.