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.

If this is the version of James that the Lakers are going to get throughout the postseason, they may have a tough time winning games. Their formula for success was built around James, Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves being an unstoppable offensive trio.

The Los Angeles Lakers lost Game 3 of their first-round playoff series to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday by a final score of 116-104, and in doing so, they wasted a vintage performance from LeBron James.