LeBron James on a misson as Lakers beat Timberwolves to book playoff spot

The Los Angeles Lakers recorded a 108-102 victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the early hours of Wednesday, April 12, 2023.

The Lakers finished in the seventh spot in the regular season but faced the eight-placed Timberwolves in the play-in tournament.

The Timberwolves were red-hot from three to start the game and established a six-point lead at the end of the first quarter.

The Timberwolves were not gun shy from deep as Taurean Prince and Mike Conley caught fire in the second quarter putting up 32 points and increasing their lead to 11 going to the halftime break.

The Lakers began to claw their way back into the game in the third quarter and put up 30 points to reduce the deficit to seven.

The Timberwolves' offense became stale in the final quarter as the Lakers leveled the game with a massive run.

In the closing stages, Lakers superstar LeBron James drew three players and kicked out to Dennis Schroder to make a huge three.

With seconds left, the Timberwolves needed a three to tie and Anthony Davis fouled Conley at the three-point line.

Conley made all three free throws to send the game to overtime.

The Timberwolves in overtime were in disarray as the Lakers executed well to record a six-point win.

James the All-time NBA leading scorer was in sensational form to lead the Lakers to victory against the Timberwolves.

James in 46 minutes of action contributed 30 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, one steal, and two blocks.

He made 12 of his 21 shots including three of six from three-point range and was a perfect three from the free throw line.

After missing the playoffs last year, James inisted that he intends to compete in the postseason again.

After a slow start, James expressed his frustration with the result which led to speculations about the roster construction.

It eventually led to the three-team trade involving the Lakers, Timberwolves, and the Utah JJazz.

The Lakers got rid of guard Russell Westbrook and landed  D'Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, and Jarred Vanderbilt.

There was a turnaround in their season since the All-Star break and after victory against the Timberwolves book their place in the playoffs.

The Lakers will now face off against a Ja Morant-led second-seed Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the playoffs.