“Bring in Naz and Randle” - Hall of Famer Charles Barkley analyzes Minnesota Timberwolves' strengths after their Game 4 win

The Los Angeles Lakers’ defeat in Game 4 sparked discussions everywhere. Hall of Famer Charles Barkley also had his views on the Lakers’ giving up in the fourth round, handing over a 3-1 lead to the Minnesota Timberwolves. He highlighted the factors that kept the Timberwolves a cut above the opponent Lakers in Game 4. The ‘Ant-Man’ Anthony Edwards led the roster with 43 points, despite facing a foul due to an on-field physical moment with the Lakers’ LeBron James.



Hall of Famer Charles Barkley critically evaluated Minnesota Timberwolves’ offense after Game 4 win


The Los Angeles Lakers had Luka Doncic and LeBron James’ star power, but they still faced defeat in Game 4 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Almost everyone is scratching their heads over what went wrong for the Lakers. Hall of Fame Charles Barkley put forth his views on the Timberwolves’ offense, which played a major factor in the Timberwolves’ win. He said:


“When they go to their small lineup, they're better offensively. When they take Gobert out and bring in Naz and Randle, that's when they're at their best. And I thought the Lakers didn't have a good game plan because the double works when Rudy is in the game because he can't score.”









He pointed out that the Lakers failed in planning strategies well for the game, eventually bolstering the Timberwolves' position. According to Barkley, the Timberwolves’ shooters made the best of the opportunities they got and kept the Lakers in a fix. Highlighting the teamwork that the Timberwolves demonstrated, he said:


“But when they go small, and they got them shooters everywhere, that's when those other guys get involved. That's when DiVincenzo was getting those drives, because I thought the Lakers should have changed their game plan."


He explained further, "Because they're like, we're going to get the ball out of Ant's hand. Well, now when Rudy's not in there, DiVincenzo gets a drive, Naz Reid gets two threes, Jaden McDaniels gets a drive.”



Charles Barkley commented on where Los Angeles Lakers failed


Charles Barkley highlighted the Timberwolves’ teamwork and held the Los Angeles Lakers’ lack of spontaneous thinking responsible for their loss. He said:


“They didn't change up their game plan. You got to go back to, in my opinion, you got to go back like, 'Okay, Anthony's going to get his number. He's a great player.' But you can't give those other guys those big numbers. Like they didn't stop anybody, and Ant got his 40."

Minnesota Timberwolves beat Los Angeles Lakers 116-113 at Target Center to take a 3-1 series lead. #TWolves https://t.co/PdTTRjJWci pic.twitter.com/5KXJG3f2S3

— Carlos Gonzalez (@CarlosGphoto) April 28, 2025

Charles further said, "And then those other guys get their numbers because the Lakers, the way they were playing defense.”


The Minnesota Timberwolves’ startling 116-113 comeback win has led to the possibility of the Lakers’ elimination from the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Lakers’ Luka Doncic holds on to hope and expects to use the upcoming games to change their situation.


Also Read: Charles Barkley left speechless after Oklahoma City Thunder’s second-largest playoff comeback in NBA history

Do you agree with Charles Barkley's analysis of the Lakers' loss? Share in the comments.