Ant stomps on LeBron and Doncic to push Lakers to brink of abyss

No one is probably expected to see that, but the out-of-this-world partnership between LeBron James and Luka Doncic is about to collapse, along with the Los Angeles Lakers, as they're on the verge of the NBA playoffs exit.

Elimination is just around the corner for the LAL after the Minnesota Timberwolves topped them 116-113 in Game 4 on Sunday night.

Remarkably, Anthony Edwards has been far better than LeBron and Doncic, proving once again that he's built differently and, more importantly, that his time has come.

"Luka's probably the best player in the game - young player in the game and Bron is the best player leaving the game, so I'm just trying to prove I belong," Edwards said.

Edwards scored 16 of his 43 in the fourth quarter as the Timberwolves bounced back from a 10-point deficit.

"These are moments that we should live for, going on the road, trying to close the team out," Ant said looking ahead to Game 5. "It's gonna be tough, gonna be a tough atmosphere, but it should be fun, if you like competing at the highest level."

On the other hand, James scored 27, along with 12 rebounds, eight assists, three blocks and three steals. Doncic scored 38, but added just two assists.

"We had some really good looks. Luka missed a point-blank layup to put us up seven. I missed a point-blank layup to put us up four," James said. "We had a couple of opportunities, I don't think it was fatigue. We just missed shots."

NBA PLAYOFFS - 1/4 FINALS

Monday

Detroit – New York Knicks 93:94

/Cunningham 25 – Brunson 32/

Minnesota – LA Lakers 116:113

/Edwards 43 – Doncic 38/

Tuesday

02.30: (4.00) Miami (15.0) Cleveland (1.30)

05.00: (1.65) Golden State (13.0) Houston (2.50)

***odds are subject to change***