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LeBron James reveals how Game 3 can be won for LA Lakers

Posted on April 25, 2025 - 9:41 am by

A packed Target Centre will be hoping that the Timberwolves can take a decisive lead against te star studded LA Lakers.

A packed Target Centre will be hoping that the Timberwolves can take a decisive lead against te star studded LA Lakers.

20,000 fans will pack into the Target Centre in Minneapolis on Friday night as the best-of-seven playoff series touches down in Minnesota for the first time.

The series is tied 1-1 after the opening games in Los Angeles with many basketball experts claiming that Game 3 can be a make-or-break decisive contest in these seven game series.

After the Timberwolves claimed Game 1, the Lakers replied with a 94-85 victory in Game 2 with the Timberwolves tally of 85 points their lowest lowest output of the season to date

“I’ve seen enough of these and been in enough of these that you can have these low-scoring games and low-offensive output games that are very physical,” said Lakers head coach JJ Redick said. “And then all of a sudden, somebody starts making 3s, there’s a few turnovers that leads to a high-transition half, and somebody scores 120.

“That’s just kind of how basketball works. Every game is a little different. But I think the mentality from both teams is to have a rock fight.”

Luka Doncic #77 hugs head coach JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers SAM HODDE

Anthony Edwards leads the Timberwolves with 23.5 points per game through the series’ first two contests and is assisted by the likes of Julius Randle (21.5 points per game), Jaden McDaniels (16.5) and Naz Reid (16.0) also are averaging double digits in scoring.

For LA Lakers, Luka Doncic leads the way with 34 points per game in the series boosted by LeBron James’ 20 points per game, followed by Austin Reaves (16 ppg) and Rui Hachimura (10 ppg).

Film session for Minnesota

Timberwolves coach Chris Finch conducted a video review session with his players after Game 2.

“We just told the guys, our performances in L.A. and the results out there, all we’ve done is earn the right to be able to be great at home,” Finch said. “That’s what we’ve got to do.

“We’ve got to come out with a big start (on Friday). It should be a lot of fun and get the series back in our advantage.”

Head Coach Chris Finch of the Minnesota Timberwolves speaks with Julius Randle #30RONALD MARTINEZ

For the Lakers, LeBron James spoke to the media pre game and acknowledged that his teammates needed to maintain their intensity on defense while finding ways to improve their efficiency on offense.

“We could still be better offensively,” James said. “… We’re going to continue to get better and continue to see ways we can break down the defense and continue to get good looks.”