Magic Johnson Slams Lakers’ Game Plan After Playoff Loss to Timberwolves

Magic Johnson Calls Out Lakers’ Risky Strategy in Playoff Loss to Timberwolves

Los Angeles Lakers icon Magic Johnson didn’t hold back after the team dropped a nail-biter to the Minnesota Timberwolves, falling 116-113 and sinking to a daunting 3-1 deficit in their playoff series. Johnson, never one to sugarcoat his thoughts, took to social media to question the Lakers’ fourth-quarter tactics—especially the decision to keep LeBron James and Luka Doncic on the court for the entire second half.

Coach J.J. Redick seemed to ride the momentum from a scorching 14-0 Lakers run at the start of the third. He stuck with his hot lineup—LeBron, Luka, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Dorian Finney-Smith—right to the bitter end. But as the final minutes ticked away, fatigue looked like the sixth Timberwolf on the court. Both LeBron and Luka logged a hefty 46 minutes, with Doncic still recovering from a stomach bug. LeBron, notoriously clutch, was held scoreless in the fourth—a rare sight that probably made Lakers fans double-check their glasses.

The Timberwolves have made a habit of dominating late; across the series, they’ve outscored the Lakers 105-69 in fourth quarters. Johnson summed up the mood for many purple-and-gold faithful: “I’m just sick to my stomach that the Lakers lost this game after being in control most of the 2nd half.” If Magic's stomach is upset, you know things have gone sideways.

Redick defended his call, saying he checked in with his players about their stamina and reminded them of extra timeouts. "If you need a sub, let us know," Redick relayed, emphasizing that his players gave everything they had. Doncic, for his part, brushed off the fatigue talk, insisting, “Fatigue shouldn't play any role in this… I think they just executed better on the offensive end during the last minutes.”

Game 5 heads back to Los Angeles on Wednesday, where the Lakers will need more than just energy drinks to fend off elimination. If the Timberwolves keep feasting in the fourth, Lakers Nation might need a collective nap—and maybe a new game plan.