The Lakers lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Friday's Game 3, falling 116-104 as the Timberwolves took a two-games-to-one lead in the opening round series. Though the 40-year-old James had a throwback performance with 38 points, the Lakers were unable to overcome the hot Timberwolves on a night when Luka Doncic was dealing with an illness.

NBA star LeBron James addresses the Los Angeles Lakers' Game 3 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, emphasizing the critical need for urgency and focus moving forward in the postseason. LeBron James, fully aware of the mounting pressure at this critical juncture of the season,

Instead, it was the Minnesota Timberwolves spoiling James' 38-point gem with a 116-104 victory in Game 3 behind a career night from Jaden McDaniels and another potential torch-passing performance from Anthony Edwards -- who could be on his way to his third dethronement of an all-time great in the past two seasons.