Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

Lakers criticize McDaniels’ possible foul on Doncic late in game

With just over 30 seconds left in the game, Luka Doncic tripped McDaniels and the Lakers had to call a timeout.

Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

With just over 30 seconds remaining in the game, Luka Doncic stumbled on the court, and the Los Angeles Lakers had to call a timeout. However, according to coach JJ Redick and Doncic himself, the play should have been a foul by Jaden McDaniels. This would have given the Lakers a free throw and a chance to tie the game and even turn the game around.

According to Redick, “He (Doncic) didn’t just go down on his own… He got fouled. So we should have gone to the free throw line.” However, the Lakers coach also said that “it’s not an excuse,” but that the team could have opened up a lead. Ultimately, the visitors came out of the timeout and committed a turnover.

The play where JJ Redick said Jaden McDaniels tripped Luka Doncic

You be the judge… https://t.co/8RUB6Yc7jc pic.twitter.com/wEdKDfIjzW
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) April 27, 2025

Also Read: Bucks vs Pacers: Pacers on the Verge of Eliminating Bucks for Second Straight Year in Playoffs, Cruise to Go Up 3-1 After Lillard’s Injury

Furthermore, LeBron James then fouled Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves opened up a 116-113 lead. On the last shot, Austin Reaves, who had a good second half, was alone, but missed and the Lakers lost. Still on the play with McDaniels, Luka commented that “I felt like I got knocked down.”

The point guard finished the game with 38 points, but only 1 rebound and 2 assists, in 46 minutes of action. His partner LeBron James had 27 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists and 3 steals in the same time. On the other hand, Edwards finished with 43 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists.

Also Read: Anthony Edwards Put Lakers on the Brink of Elimination as Timberwolves Go 3-1 After Fourth Quarter Surge

One way or another, the series now returns to Los Angeles, when on Wednesday (30) the teams face each other in game 5. If the Wolves win, it will be the Lakers’ farewell to the postseason.

Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

Gulshan Sharma

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A native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, journalist, and a complete soccer and basketball fan, he found the huge interest with basketball by watching videos of Allen Iverson and Tony Parker, but fell head over heels in love with the sport during the Warriors’ championship era (2015-2018). A sports game addict since his late PS1, he’s also passionate about the Eagles, Inter Miami and the Fever. He’s fortunate to have seen all his favorite teams win championships. He also has a special love for cricket and football (soccer), where he is a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Barcelona.