Feb 27, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) dribbles against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jaylen Clark (22) during the second quarter at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

Ex-NBA Champion Makes Bold Lakers-Timberwolves Playoff Prediction

Originally posted on San Antonio Spurs on SI
By Jeremy Lambert | Last updated Apr 18, 2025 5:24 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves are one of the most intriguing first round matchups in the NBA Playoffs as fans get their first look at LeBron James and Luka Doncic playing together at the biggest time of the year.

Based on Luka's success against Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, and the Timberwolves in the 2024 NBA Playoffs, the majority of fans and experts are leaning towards the Lakers to move past the Timberwolves. San Antonio Spurs legend Danny Green believes there is more pressure on Luka to deliver than there is on Edwards.

.@DGreen_14 says Luka Dončić must bring the Lakers to "at least" the Western Conference finals

"If [Luka] doesn't score well, I don't see them going very far." pic.twitter.com/LlOv235Jto
— First Take (@FirstTake) April 18, 2025

"They brought him here to win a championship. In the playoffs, the game slows down. If he's not scoring well, they don't win. You know they're going to attack him on the defensive end of the floor. For the Lakers to win, Luka has to play well," stated Green on ESPN's First Take.

Stephen A. Smith pointed to Luka having LeBron James on his team as the reason why the Lakers would be fine should Luka not be at his best.

Luka and the Mavericks beat the Timberwolves in five games in the 2024 Western Conference Finals. Luka averaged 32 points per game in the series and shot 43% from three on ten attempts per game.