The Los Angeles Lakers’ early elimination stands as one of the key storylines in this 2025 NBA Playoffs.
After delivering the biggest and most stunning trade in NBA history by acquiring Luka Doncic, expectations for the LA Lakers were high.
With the Slovenian superstar running the show alongside LeBron James, the Lakers went on to win 50 regular season games and secure the No. 3 seed of the Western Conference, solidifying their case as a title contender.
But as they commenced the opening round, they were instantly shell-shocked by the gritty Minnesota Timberwolves, who defeated them 4-1 in the series, with one NBA player especially pleased at their exit.
Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty ImagesPatrick Beverley reacts to Mark Williams’ shady celebration about LA Lakers’ elimination
The sadness of the purple and gold fanbase about the Lakers’ first-round exit turned to happiness for Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams.
Immediately after the Lakers bowed down in Game 5 against the Timberwolves, Williams published a X post with a smiling emoji, revelling in their downfall.
He might have claimed he finally moved on about it, but it can’t be denied that the Charlotte Hornets big still has that ill will against LA, after the franchise botched his trade deadline arrival for them citing a failed medical exam.
Williams insisted that he was healthy and could have helped the Lakers fill Anthony Davis’ shoes.
Similar to Austin Rivers’ notion, Patrick Beverley found Williams’ social media reaction as considerably strange and unreasonable.
“That was weird to me, especially coming from a team that is God awful. I didn’t understand that, I really didn’t understand that,” the former NBA star said on his The Pat Bev Podcast.
“He was happy they lost, what kind of weird time is that? That’s weird bro.”
Mark Williams could have helped them, but LA was convinced not to acquire him
Their first-round loss against Minnesota completely exposed the absence of inside play for Los Angeles.
Jaxson Hayes became unplayable under JJ Redick’s watch, while Alex Len and the rest of the Lakers’ backup bigs were unable to carry the load and help the team in matching the Wolves’ imposing frame.
As a result, the Lakers were completely destroyed by the Timberwolves, specifically in Game 5 when Rudy Gobert feasted with a 27-point, 24-rebound masterpiece.
The Lakers could have used Williams’ size in dealing against the T-Wolves, but they will move on in another direction this summer.