The Los Angeles Lakers will take on the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2025 playoffs in a series with a lot of star power. The Lakers are led by LeBron James and Luka Doncic, while the Timberwolves have Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert .

Following the team’s 140-109 win against the Houston Rockets in their final home game of the regular season, JJ Redick likened LeBron James’ role in the Lakers’ defense to a quarterback. “Quarterback is an offensive position, but he’s the quarterback of our defense,” Redick said. “And a lot of that is his voice, his IQ.”

LeBron James has found himself on the injury report ahead of this key matchup. He was listed as probable due to a groin injury. Per Underdog NBA, James will play in this game, after all. James has been managing that groin injury over the last few days. He is trying to make sure that he is good to go once the postseason arrives.

The Los Angeles Lakers clinched the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference playoff picture on Friday evening after taking down the Houston Rockets. With this fact

The Lakers' reserves wrapped up meaningless regular-season final loss at Portland Sunday. The team will open the NBA playoffs against Minnesota.

However, for seven Western contenders, this last game is do-or-die, with playoff spots still up in the air. Sunday's final day will determine the standings of these seven already qualified Western teams.