The Los Angeles Lakers are facing a challenging moment in their NBA playoff campaign. Game 3 against the Minnesota Timberwolves exposed several issues for the Lakers. Notably, Luka Doncic played through a stomach illness, which dramatically impacted Los Angeles’ performance on the court.

Luka Doncic’s Illness Alters the Lakers’ Game Plan

Just hours before Game 3, Lakers star Luka Doncic began experiencing severe stomach issues. According to reports, Doncic spent much of the day ill, even vomiting before tipoff. Despite this, he took the court, but it was clear he was not at full strength. Doncic was limited to just 17 points on 6-for-16 shooting. Previously, he had averaged 34 points over the first two games of the series. His struggle affected the team’s offense and energy on both ends of the floor.[^1]

LeBron James led the Lakers with an impressive 38-point effort, the highest in NBA history for a player over 40 in the postseason. But even his historic display could not overcome the Timberwolves’ late surge.

For a deeper look at how Doncic’s illness shaped the Lakers' strategy and performance, see this in-depth breakdown by ESPN.

Depth and Size: Growing Concerns for the Lakers

The Lakers have been battling depth and size concerns all season. Game 3 highlighted these problems when Doncic was not at his best. The Timberwolves took advantage, dominating the paint and outmuscling the Lakers under the rim. Defensive lapses and missed opportunities allowed Minnesota to pull away late in the game.

The issue isn’t new, but Doncic’s absence at full strength made it even more apparent. The Lakers’ rotation has been thin, and alternatives at center are limited. According to The Athletic, these existing concerns around size and rotation are now “catching up to the Lakers at the worst possible time.” Read more about how Doncic’s limits exposed the Lakers’ vulnerabilities in the latest postseason analysis.

Turnovers and Missed Chances

The Lakers committed 19 turnovers, which led to 28 points for the Timberwolves. Each mistake carried extra weight, especially without Doncic able to control the game’s pace. Missed free throws and crucial turnovers late in the fourth quarter made a comeback nearly impossible. As highlighted by Yahoo Sports, LeBron James’ brilliance couldn’t save the Lakers amid so many missed opportunities.

Austin Reaves contributed 20 points, and Gabe Vincent stepped in during Doncic's brief absence. However, the lack of center depth and rim protection allowed Minnesota’s Jaden McDaniels to dominate with 30 points, frequently attacking the Lakers' interior defense.

What’s Next for the Lakers?

The series now stands at 2-1 in Minnesota’s favor, with Game 4 just around the corner. The Lakers will need to regroup quickly, hoping Doncic bounces back and LeBron continues his high-level play. Their ability to adjust their strategy, control possessions, and reduce turnovers will be essential. Without improvements in depth and interior defense, their playoff hopes are at risk.

Fans will look for the Lakers to harness their resilience and fight back in Game 4. Every possession and decision will matter as Los Angeles aims to even the series and protect their championship aspirations.

Stay tuned for updates as the Lakers prepare for a must-win Game 4. For more comprehensive coverage, follow ESPN’s live playoff updates and in-depth analysis from The Athletic.

[^1]: Source: ESPN, "Lakers' Luka Doncic sapped by stomach bug, struggles in Game 3"