LeBron James on how tough a matchup the Timberwolves were for the Lakers in the playoffs

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When the Los Angeles Lakers opened their first-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, many expected them to advance to the next round. However, there was also an understanding that it wouldn't be easy and that it wasn't a lock that they would win the series.

Indeed, the Lakers' lack of frontcourt size was an even bigger problem than initially anticipated, which led to them giving up lots of offensive rebounds and second-chance points. Offensively, they struggled much more than expected, and they ended up being held under 100 points in three of five games. Only once in the series did they manage to score more than 104 points.

Lebron James didn't play up to his standards for much of the series. On a recent episode of his "Mind the Game" podcast, he talked about how difficult a matchup Minnesota was for his team.

"I’ve had all those emotions, to the point where it’s like, [expletive], we entered the season well, but like you said, when it comes to the postseason, man, matchups sometimes doesn’t determine how well of a regular season you had, it’s the matchups," James said.

"And we ran into a [expletive] good matchup, a team that’s been battle-tested, a team that’s hungry, a team with a lot of youth but also experience at the same time, and another team that’s trying to make the next step. And, they were a worthy opponent, that’s for sure.”

The Timberwolves ran over the Lakers in five games, which was something of a stunner, especially since the Lakers were considered by many to be championship contenders going into the playoffs.

Now, the Timberwolves are tied at one win apiece in the Western Conference semifinals against a Golden State Warriors squad that will be without Stephen Curry for at least a few more games due to a hamstring strain. James feels they have what it takes to go very far.

“I could see them for sure getting to the Western Conference Finals, if not the [NBA] Finals. Obviously, health is wealth in the postseason. They have all the makeup. They have shooting, they have toughness, they have size, they have foot speed, they have playmaking, they have experience, they have defensive versatility, which you need in the postseason. They play extremely hard.”

Minnesota got to the Western Conference Finals last year by manufacturing an upset over the then-defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets in the second round. They fell in the conference finals in five games to the Dallas Mavericks, a team that was led by new Lakers superstar Luka Doncic.

Now, Los Angeles will have to add a couple more supporting players to what looks like an excellent core so that perhaps next year it will end up going all the way.

This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: LeBron James on how tough a matchup Timberwolves were for Lakers

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