Timberwolves Eliminate Lakers, Advance to West Semifinals

The Minnesota Timberwolves advanced to the Western Conference semifinals after defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 103-96 in Game 5, clinching the series 4-1. Rudy Gobert delivered a dominant performance with 27 points and 24 rebounds, providing crucial scoring and interior defense that the Lakers could not counter. Despite poor three-point shooting and early foul trouble, the Timberwolves maintained control, fending off a late Lakers rally with key plays from Gobert and a decisive three-pointer by Mike Conley. Anthony Edwards contributed with 15 points and 11 rebounds, helping to secure the win. The Lakers, led by Luka Doncic's 28 points and LeBron James' 22, were eliminated in the first round for the second straight year, with Doncic playing through an apparent back injury. Minnesota now awaits the winner of the Golden State-Houston series for their next matchup.