The regular season is over, the standings are set and the playoffs now remain for the third-seed Lakers, who are now set to face the sixth-seed Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs following their 109-89 road loss to the Trail Blazers on Sunday evening.
Los Angeles' season finale loss staples their 2024-25 regular season record to 50-32 under first-year head coach JJ Redick, capping off a successful rookie season at the helm in securing their highest seed since 2019-20.
"Very difficult opponent. They've played as well as anyone lately," said Redick on Minnesota. "They present a lot of problems."
The Timberwolves are one of four teams (OKC, BOS, CLE) with a top-10 offense and defense rank in the NBA, which is what Redick alluded to when asked about facing Minnesota. The Lakers split their four games 2-2 this season against the Timberwolves.
This will be just the third time L.A. and Minnesota meet in the playoffs, with the Lakers winning the first two series in six games (4-2) back in 2003 and 2004.
The Lakers' loss in Portland marks their road record at 19-22 this season. They are the only team among the top six teams in both conferences with a record under .500 on the road.
It was all Blazers in Game 82 at the Moda Center as the Lakers rested every starter—and three role players off the bench—in preparation for the playoffs after locking up the third seed on Friday against Houston.
Bronny James Jr. got his first career start to end his rookie regular season campaign, finishing with a career-high six assists and four steals in 38 minutes. James Jr. struggled to find his shot, shooting 2-of-10 (four points) against a Blazers team that didn't allow the Lakers a single lead.
"I felt like I grew as a player and person," James Jr. said. "There's more work to be done."
Rookie Dalton Knecht led all scorers with 27 points on nine-of-21 (5-of-12 from deep) shooting in 37 minutes.
Portland had their way inside the paint and on the glass, notching 27 offensive rebounds, which led to 34 second-chance points and 52 total points in the paint.
The Trail Blazers had seven scores in double figures, with Dalano Banton leading the way with 23 points, seven assists, and five rebounds.
The Lakers will face Minnesota to open the first round on Saturday (April 19) at 5:30 (PST) on ABC. L.A. will be hosting the first round for the first time since the 2012 season.
Here is the official set playoff bracket for the 2024-25 NBA playoffs:
