The Los Angeles Lakers are on the verge of becoming the first higher-seeded team eliminated in the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs after losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves 113-116 late Sunday afternoon and falling behind 1-3 in their series.

Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half during game three of first round

The Los Angeles Lakers are sitting where no NBA team wants to be in the playoffs. That’s staring down the wrong end of a 3-1 series deficit, which is where the Lakers stand following their 116-113 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 4.