Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

The Los Angeles Lakers are now facing a do-or-die scenario.

With the Minnesota Timberwolves leading the first-round series 3-1, the Lakers are on the edge of elimination. As the series shifts back to Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles for Game 5, the Lakers have no choice but to win — or their playoff hopes will be over. After a crushing Game 4 loss, the Lakers find themselves with their backs against the wall.

In that 116-113 defeat on Sunday, the Lakers held a 12-point lead at one point, but couldn’t hold on. Despite strong individual performances from star players, the Lakers couldn’t finish the job. Luka Doncic scored 38 points, and LeBron James added 27 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists, but their efforts were not enough to counter the Timberwolves’ surge. The game was a tough blow, as the Lakers were hoping to even the series at 2-2 but instead dropped to a 1-3 deficit.

Anthony Edwards was the standout performer for the Timberwolves, putting up a game-high 43 points and adding nine rebounds. His relentless scoring kept Minnesota in control, and the Lakers couldn’t find a way to stop him when it mattered most.

With their playoff future hanging in the balance, the Lakers are now in a must-win situation for Game 5. If they fail to win, their postseason run will come to an abrupt end. LeBron James and his teammates will need to dig deep, overcome their mistakes, and show the heart that has made them a perennial contender. Game 5 is a fight for survival, and it’s all or nothing for the Lakers.

You don’t think about winning three games, you just focus on getting the next one. That’s all that matters. It’s all about Wednesday. That’s what’s important,” said LeBron James, who has faced this kind of pressure before. James led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a historic 3-1 comeback in the 2016 NBA Finals.

Historically, teams with a 3-1 series lead in the NBA playoffs have dominated, with a 275-13 record. Now, the question is: will the Lakers keep their season alive and force a Game 6, or will the Timberwolves close out the first-round series on the road? Stay tuned to USA TODAY Sports for live updates and highlights from Game 5.