LeBron James didn’t play up to his standards in Game 1 between the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday. After his team lost that game 117-95, many expected him to show more aggression in Game 2 on Tuesday.
While he still didn’t put up his usual numbers in Game 2, he did show the type of increased aggression the Lakers needed from him. He ended up with 21 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists and was active on the defensive end as they got off to another fast start but maintained their advantage throughout the evening.
LeBron James becomes the first 40-year-old in NBA history to have a playoff game with:
20+ PTS
10+ REB
5+ AST pic.twitter.com/OKqbthoFUR— Polymarket Hoops (@StatMamba) April 23, 2025
The Lakers won, 94-85, to even the series at one game apiece, and James achieved a first in NBA history. He became the only 40-year-old in league history to post at least 20 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in a playoff game.
James continues to rewrite the NBA books and the league’s norms when it comes to his longevity. He will need to be his usual prodigious self when the series shifts to Minnesota for the next two games, especially since the Lakers will need to win at least one of those contests in order to regain the home-court advantage.