Losses like the ones the Lakers just suffered are therefore emblematic of what is becoming a fundamental truth of the pursuit of NBA championships: the regular season may be about strengths, but the playoffs are, emphatically, about weaknesses.

Luka Doncic recorded 38 points, while James had 27 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists, three steals and three blocks. Unfortunately, their efforts were not enough, as the Timberwolves took advantage of the Lakers' 10 turnovers and scored 19 points off them. The Lakers' bench was also outscored by the Minnesota bench, 25-6.