Los Angeles Lakers point guard Luka Doncic issued a strong reminder after the team's 116-113 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. LA entered the playoffs with title-sized expectations but now finds itself on the brink of a disappointing first-round exit. The Lakers once again struggled down the stretch against a young but experienced Wolves team that isn't flinching.

The Lakers, however, have the talent to pull off a stunning 3-1 comeback, and Doncic remained confident in this group's chances going forward. In the postgame press conference, the star point guard gave a brief statement on the disappointing result.

“It's definitely disappointing, but we haven't lost anything yet. First to four wins, and we just gotta still believe.”

Time is running out for the Lakers as they head back home

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick talks with forward LeBron James (23) in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game four of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center.
Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
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It's a very disappointing result, especially considering how many key players had productive games. Doncic led the team with 38 points while LeBron James put up a phenomenal stat line. The all-time great scored 28 points while recording 12 rebounds, eight assists, three blocks, and three steals.

James did go scoreless in the fourth quarter, however, he also had several clutch defensive plays down the stretch to keep Los Angeles in this game. Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves additionally combined for 40 points. Unfortunately, Los Angeles was once again outscored by double digits in the fourth quarter, putting up only 19 points total.

It's disappointing for a team with this kind of high-end talent to be in this situation. However, there is still a great opportunity ahead, and it all begins on Wednesday night. Los Angeles needs to win one game, and all of the pressure shifts to Minnesota, who is now expected to win this series.

Luka and LeBron are two players who should never be doubted and have come back from series deficits before. LeBron, in particular, knows all about coming back from 3-1, and this time the team he's on can get two home games instead of just one. But the Lakers will need to overcome their fourth-quarter demons if they are to bring this series back to Minnesota on Wednesday.