The Los Angeles Lakers’ season came to an abrupt end Wednesday night as the Minnesota Timberwolves closed out their first-round playoff series with a 103–96 win in L.A., taking the series 4–1.
The disappointing finish sparked immediate reactions from fans and analysts, including outspoken NBA on TNT host Charles Barkley, who didn’t hold back his criticism of Lakers star Luka Doncic.
Doncic, who was traded from the Mavericks for Anthony Davis earlier in the season, battled through a back injury to post 28 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds in 40 minutes. Still, his performance — and particularly his defense — drew sharp commentary from Barkley.
“At some point, you just can’t keep bringing in big guys when he [Doncic] can’t play no damn defense,” Barkley said on the postgame show.
“He’s got to learn to play defense and get in shape.”
Barkley’s comments echoed concerns reportedly raised by Mavericks officials before the mid-season trade. While Doncic has remained an offensive force, his conditioning and defensive effort have long been questioned.
Not everyone agreed with Barkley’s take.
“Barkley is a Luka hater,” one fan posted online. “Might have a notebook of bad things to say about Luka and practices it in front of a mirror.”
Another fan took a jab at Barkley’s own fitness history, posting:
“Charles Barkley telling other people to get in shape ”
Despite Doncic’s efforts, the Lakers were thoroughly outplayed in the paint, with Minnesota exploiting their interior defense and controlling the glass — a problem that proved too much to overcome.
With the Lakers out of the playoffs, questions now swirl about their future — and whether Doncic, Redick, and the front office can make the necessary adjustments to return to contention next season.