Game 3 of the 2025 NBA playoffs between the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves had everything fans could ask for, namely, superstar duels, clutch buckets, and fourth-quarter drama. With the series tied 1-1, both teams threw punches until the final buzzer.
The Timberwolves eventually won 116-104, and seized a 2-1 lead in the series. However, amid all the intensity, one unexpected courtside moment featuring LeBron James sent social media into a frenzy and not in a good way.
Fans Erupt Over LeBron James’ Lighthearted Demeanor During Intense Playoff Loss
With just under two minutes left and the Lakers trailing by seven, cameras caught LeBron James casually chatting and laughing with Anthony Edwards while the officials reviewed a foul. That lighthearted interaction, during such a high-stakes moment, didn’t sit well with fans who expected more from the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
The reactions came in fast and fierce. One fan stated that Kobe Bryant would not have resorted to this, stating:
“Bron laughing with Ant with 2 minutes left and down 7 in a playoff game. This is WHY nobody respects this dude. He’s not locked in. Kob would have not spoken a word to ANYONE all game and would be ready to kill the Wolves. Different breed.”
Bron laughing with Ant with 2 minutes left and down 7 in a playoff game. This is WHY nobody respects this dude. He’s not locked in, Kob would have not spoken a word to ANYONE all game and would be ready to kill the Wolves. Different breed ✌🏻 pic.twitter.com/ZLqXaaXTcm
— Jacob (@Jacobtheclipper) April 26, 2025
Another added, “Then he followed this up by hitting the side of the backboard on the biggest shot of the game. This is not what greatness looks like.”
Then he followed this up by hitting the side of the backboard on the biggest shot of the game. This is not what greatness looks like.
— Hated Jay 🏀 (@JAYMKTG) April 26, 2025
A wave of criticism followed after that as well, with one fan stating: “10000% Dude is pathetic.”
10000%
Dude is pathetic
— DUKE (@DUKE_content) April 26, 2025
One fan declared:
“Smiling in a playoff series down 7 with 2 minutes left? Could never be my goat.”
Smiling in a playoff series down 7 with 2 minutes left ? Could never be my goat
— ʙᴀʀɴᴇs ✞ (@BarnesGFX) April 26, 2025
Even longtime supporters expressed disappointment. “I’m a big fan of LeBron and was really surprised to see him act like this during a tight playoff game. Not a good look…”
I’m a big fan of LeBron and was really surprised to see him act like this during a tight playoff game. Not a good look…
— Terrence Donahoe (@TerrenceDonahoe) April 26, 2025
LeBron Brought the Heat But It Still Wasn’t Enough for Lakers
Fans might not be happy with the four-time NBA champion’s behaviour, but James on his part gave it all. He was nearly unstoppable most of the night. In just 17 first-half minutes, he dropped 20 points on 8-of-10 shooting with no turnovers. He didn’t stop there as he finished with 38 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists.
For Minnesota, Anthony Edwards delivered a monster closing stretch to lead his team to victory. After LeBron hit three straight threes to rally the Lakers, Edwards answered with a triple of his own, then followed it up with two clutch buckets and a slick assist to Jaden McDaniels for a dagger 3-pointer.
In the end, the Wolves stole the game and the spotlight. With the series now tipping in Minnesota’s favor, the Lakers will have to produce a turnaround in the remaining games of the series.