The Los Angeles Lakers are on the verge of elimination after a stunning 116-113 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 4 of their playoff series, with Anthony Edwards leading the charge for Minnesota. The Timberwolves now hold a 3-1 series lead and can close out the Lakers in Game 5 at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday.

Anthony Edwards’ Dominance in Game 4

Edwards, who finished with 43 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists, put the Lakers in a position they didn’t anticipate being in. Despite LeBron James and Luka Dončić playing heavy minutes and showing strong individual performances, it was Edwards who imposed his will down the stretch, especially in the fourth quarter where he scored 16 of his 43 points.

“I’m just trying to prove I belong,” Edwards said after the game, acknowledging the challenge of facing legends like James and Dončić. “Luka’s probably the best young player in the game, and Bron is the best player leaving the game.”

In the final minutes, Edwards’ ice-cold free throws sealed the victory after a controversial foul on James, which set the stage for a potential elimination game. James disagreed with the call, stating, “Hand is part of the ball,” but the officials saw it differently, awarding Edwards free throws that he calmly converted.

Lakers’ Struggles and Fatigue

The Lakers’ struggle came down to missed opportunities in the closing moments of the game. Despite getting good looks, both Luka Dončić and LeBron James missed key shots that could have extended their lead. James, who logged 46 minutes, finished with 27 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists, but his performance was hindered in the second half, where he was limited to only five points.

“It wasn’t fatigue,” James said. “We had some really good looks. We just missed shots.”

Dončić, who scored 38 points, also played 45 minutes but was unable to deliver a game-changing assist, finishing with only two for the game.

Edwards’ Mental and Physical Stamina

Edwards’ performance showed both his mental and physical strength, qualities that have elevated him to the status of one of the NBA’s top rising stars. He managed to control the game without forcing shots, and even when the Lakers applied pressure, he was cool under fire. His ability to both score and facilitate has been a key reason for the Timberwolves’ success in the series.

“I’m trying to get respect as not just a top young player but as the guy, the standard,” Edwards said, showing his confidence and maturity beyond his 23 years.

Edwards also displayed leadership by involving his teammates at critical moments, such as passing to Donte DiVincenzo for a crucial layup and 3-point play and assisting Jaden McDaniels for a 3-point opportunity in the final minutes.

The Lakers’ Depth and Coaching Decisions

While the Lakers’ stars were clearly giving their all, it was evident that the team lacked the depth to match the Timberwolves’ balanced attack. Coach JJ Redick made a bold decision not to rotate players in the second half, relying heavily on his starters. This move, although showing respect for the Timberwolves, may have contributed to the Lakers’ inability to close out the game.

Redick’s decision to play James and Dončić for extended minutes, especially in a high-stakes game, was risky given the fatigue from the previous game. The lack of fresh legs on the floor, coupled with missed clutch shots, left the Lakers vulnerable.

The Timberwolves’ Resilience

The Timberwolves, who showed resilience and growth during last year’s deep playoff run, have proven they are no longer the “immature” team they were once labeled as. With Mike Conley and other role players stepping up, Minnesota’s depth and chemistry were on full display.

“We go 8-9-10 deep, with guys that continue to fight and find ways to impact the game,” said Conley, referencing the Timberwolves’ bench depth.

Looking Ahead to Game 5

With a 3-1 series lead, the Timberwolves are in prime position to advance to the next round, but Edwards knows the job is far from over. “It’s gonna be a tough atmosphere [in Game 5], but it should be fun if you like competing at the highest level,” he said.

For the Lakers, this is a make-or-break moment. They need to regroup quickly and find a way to stop Edwards and the Timberwolves from closing out the series. With James and Dončić on their side, it’s not over yet, but Game 5 in Los Angeles will be their last chance to keep the postseason dream alive.