Oct 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Magic Johnson hugs Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike (30) after the game against the Minnesota Lynx in game five of the WNBA Finals. at Target Center. The Los Angeles Sparks beat the Minnesota Lynx 77-76. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

NBA Legend Magic Johnson Reacts To Timberwolves-Lakers Game

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated May 1, 2025 1:37 AM ET

On Wednesday evening, the Los Angeles Lakers hosted the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena for Game 5 of their first-round playoff series.

The Lakers lost by a score of 103-96, so they have now been eliminated from the 2025 NBA playoffs.

Via ESPN's Dave McMenamin: "That's a wrap. The Lakers lose Game 5, 103-96, and the series. Minnesota advances to the second round and will await the winner of GSW-HOU."

That's a wrap. The Lakers lose Game 5, 103-96, and the series. Minnesota advances to the second round and will await the winner of GSW-HOU.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) May 1, 2025

After the game, Lakers legend (and Basketball Hall of Famer) Magic Johnson sent out a post (via X) that had over 3,000 likes and 100,000 impressions in 35 minutes.

He wrote: "Congratulations to my good friend Minnesota Timberwolves owner Alex Rodriguez, superstar Anthony Edwards and the entire Minnesota Timberwolves team for beating my Lakers and advancing to the next round. The reason the Lakers lost was because they played awful on defense, they were too small, and the Timberwolves dominated them in the paint."

Congratulations to my good friend Minnesota Timberwolves owner Alex Rodriguez, superstar Anthony Edwards and the entire Minnesota Timberwolves team for beating my Lakers and advancing to the next round. The reason the Lakers lost was because they played awful on defense, they…
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 1, 2025