The Los Angeles Lakers are entering the playoffs with great momentum.
Since trading for Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks in a dramatic February deal, the Lakers have been thriving.
LA concluded the regular season with a strong 50–32 record, securing the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. However, Lakers icon Magic Johnson has raised concerns regarding their impending first-round matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Specifically, Johnson highlighted three standout Wolves players who could challenge the Lakers.
“I’m worried about my Lakers because the game’s most thrilling player, superstar Anthony Edwards, presents a matchup dilemma,” Johnson remarked.
While he acknowledges Edwards’ capacity to be a “matchup problem,” Johnson expresses confidence in the Lakers’ capabilities. He forecasts that for the Timberwolves to be victorious, other contributors like Naz Reid and Donte DiVincenzo must step up significantly.
“If the Timberwolves defeat my Lakers, it will be because both Naz Reid and Donte DiVincenzo deliver outstanding performances. I’m predicting my Lakers will win in 6, spearheaded by superstars LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Austin Reaves will be the crucial third player for the Lakers, needing a significant series, alongside Rui Hachimura, who also has to deliver big for the Lakers to succeed,” he elaborated.
If the Timberwolves beat my Lakers it’s because Naz Reid and Donte DiVenczo both have a big series. I’m picking my Lakers in 6, led by superstars LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Austin Reaves will be the third man in the ring for the Lakers and he has to have a big series as well…
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 18, 2025
Johnson has faith in his team, confident that they will clinch victory in six games.
This playoff season is especially noteworthy for the Lakers, marking Luka Doncic’s inaugural playoff run with the franchise and the first time since 2012 that they will host a first-round series.
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Magic Johnson Outlines His Plans for Lakers-Timberwolves Playoff Series
As the first-round playoff series between the Timberwolves and the Lakers approaches, Magic Johnson has set aside his schedule.
The Lakers legend recently tweeted his anticipation for the series, stating he plans to watch every game closely.
“I will be glued to my TV during this year’s Playoffs and I’ll be at every Lakers vs. Timberwolves game watching three of the NBA’s most exciting players- LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Anthony Edwards!” he tweeted.
I will be glued to my TV during this year’s Playoffs and I’ll be at every Lakers vs. Timberwolves game watching three of the NBA’s most exciting players- LeBron James, Luca Doncic, and Anthony Edwards!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 18, 2025
The regular-season series between these teams concluded in a deadlock, with each team winning two games. Nonetheless, Luka Doncic boasts an impressive 11-7 career record against the Timberwolves.
Last year, he led the Mavericks to a playoff victory over them in the Western Conference Finals. This series offers an exciting opportunity for both the Timberwolves and the Lakers.
The victorious team will move on to face the winner of the Golden State Warriors versus Houston Rockets matchup in the second playoff round.
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