Take advantage of the weak bonus of the Eastern Conference? James career Western Conference Series 8 wins and 10 losses, and the Eastern Conference 33 wins and 4 losses

On May 3, 2025, the Lakers lost to the Timberwolves 96-103 at home, and were eliminated 1-4 in the series, ending in the first round of the playoffs for two consecutive years.

In this game, 40-year-old James tried his best, contributing 22 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists, but his physical fitness declined in the last quarter and scored only 4 points, failing to save the team. This loss also made James' career series record facing the Western Conference team at 8 wins and 10 losses, in sharp contrast to his dominant performance in the Eastern Conference with 33 wins and 4 losses.

James' playoff journey has become a "living specimen" for the comparison of the strengths of the east and west of the NBA: Behind this gap is the dual result of the competitive landscape between the east and west and the change in James' role. In the East, James led the team to the finals for eight consecutive years, and dominated the game with his crushing physical talent and single-core leadership ability.

However, after switching to the Lakers, the Western Conference team's more balanced lineup depth, stronger forward configuration, and the rise of new generation stars such as Jokic and Edwards have repeatedly fallen into hard battles.

According to statistics, in the past three rounds of the series, James has a record of 2 wins and 12 losses, and he only won 1 game by the Nuggets and the Timberwolves.

2023 Western Conference Finals Lakers 0-4 Nuggets, 2024 Western Conference Playoffs First Round, Lakers 1-4 Nuggets, and this year the Lakers 1-4 Timberwolves.

In this round of series, the Lakers' inside was completely beaten by the Timberwolves' Twin Towers:

Ironically, the Lakers' management had the opportunity to strengthen the center before the trade deadline. In February, they tried to trade Hornets center Mark Williams, but stopped due to the latter's physical examination problems.

If Williams joins, his average of 15.3 points and 10.2 rebounds per game may relieve the pressure on the penalty area, but the hidden danger of his career attendance rate of less than 50% also discourages the Lakers.