Instead, it was the Minnesota Timberwolves spoiling James' 38-point gem with a 116-104 victory in Game 3 behind a career night from Jaden McDaniels and another potential torch-passing performance from Anthony Edwards -- who could be on his way to his third dethronement of an all-time great in the past two seasons.

If this is the version of James that the Lakers are going to get throughout the postseason, they may have a tough time winning games. Their formula for success was built around James, Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves being an unstoppable offensive trio.

LeBron James’s NBA-record 290 playoff appearances are more than the combined total of the Timberwolves’ starting lineup. But in James’ 3½ seasons worth of playoff games, there’s one thing the 40-year-old has never found.