The Los Angeles Lakers had a disappointing start to the NBA playoffs, falling flat against the Minnesota Timberwolves in a Game 1 loss at home despite strong performances from LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
The Lakers could face even more pressure heading into Game 2 on Tuesday, with commentator Charles Barkley issuing a stark warning to the team’s stars.
James had a career-worst start to the playoffs, with the 117-95 defeat to the Timberwolves representing the worst Game 1 loss in the first round of the playoffs for his career. Though James had 19 points and Doncic added 37, the Lakers fell flat as the Timberwolves made 51.2% of their shots from the field and 50% from behind the 3-point arc.
Appearing on the “NBA on TNT” on Monday evening, Barkley warned that the Lakers can’t afford to drop another game at home.
“Clearly, I think it is a must-win for the Lakers,” Barkley said.
I’m not even talking just about that, I’m talking about like, if you get Luka Doncic and LeBron James losing the first round of the playoffs, that’s a bad season. I mean, that’s a bad season. And everybody gave them a win in the trade, but if they lose in the first round, that’s gonna be a really bad look for them.
James told reporters after the Game 1 loss that the Lakers need to do a better job of “controlling the controllables,” especially when it comes to getting outworked by the No. 6 seed.
“But, giving up 21 threes, giving up 20-plus fast-break points, second-chance points, those are some of the things that we can control,” James said.
