Try bottling up energy and confidence — you can’t. They spill out, roar, and set the stage on fire. In the NBA, they build legends but also spark chaos for anyone brave enough to stand in the way. Speaking of chaos, buckle up. The Los Angeles Lakers are charging into Game 4 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. LeBron James locks in to bounce back as the Target Center buzzes. And Anthony Edwards? He’s licking his chops, ready to pounce.

The Wolves are leading the show 2-1 against the Lakers, therefore, Game 4 will be crucial for JJ Redick’s team if they want to hold the reins of the series. Fresh off their Game 3 loss despite LeBron James’s 38-point night feels like an eyesore. However, Edwards’s leap in the match helped Minnesota pull back when it felt like LA had the game in its grip. So, what do the Purple and Gold need for their remontada?

Stephen A. Smith highlights concerns for LeBron James & Co. ahead of Game 4

On ESPN’s SportsCenter, Stephen A. Smith gave his judgment on the developing situation. He clarified: “Well, they [LA Lakers] need to neutralize Anthony Edwards. Good luck with that because again, this star ascends as the lights get brighter.” Speaking about Game 3, the veteran analyst further pointed out, “LeBron James is having an outstanding game, and Ant-Man says, ‘Hold on a second.’ That ain’t gonna get you to victory. Luka Doncic, I thought, played his worst game against Minnesota that we’ve seen him play in the last couple of years against those guys.”

While Luka Doncic played a 19-point game due to his sickness, LeBron James chipped in a double-double. But, in all honesty, Bron’s big night failed before Ant-Man’s 29-point force. At the same time, the 23-year-old guard isn’t JJ Redick‘s only concern.

“Jaden McDaniels—let’s not forget him—he had 30. Let’s not forget the contribution that Julius Randle has been making. Let’s not forget the size and the physicality that Minnesota has been playing with to let the Lakers know what you do with everybody else, you ain’t gonna be able to do so easily against us.”

It’s a complete powerhouse that the Lakers have to deal with. Well, Julius Randle has been his usual self, Rudy Gobert is playing his role perfectly, and the rest of the Wolves are doing their duties. “So that, combined with Ant-Man doing what he does, I mean, the Lakers have to win this game. They’re going to have to match their intensity, their physicality, and one star on the Lakers is going to have to be bigger than Ant-Man when it counts,” Stephen A. concluded.

A major reason behind the Lakers’ downfall in Game 3 was their sloppy execution. They coughed up 16 turnovers to the Wolves’ 8, giving up a brutal 28 points off those mistakes while only scoring 13 off Minnesota’s. On top of that, the Wolves simply outran them — with Anthony Edwards leading the charge, Minnesota racked up 21 fastbreak points and dominated the paint with 56 points compared to the Lakers’ mere 26.

LeBron’s plans against the Minnesota Timberwolves are at risk

Stephen A. Smith noted: “LeBron James, being about 250-260, depending on which day of the week it is, is accustomed to playing bully ball at his discretion when he wants to. Not so easy against Minnesota.” In the NBA, “bully ball” is about using size, strength, and athleticism to overpower opponents. It’s all about physical play to create scoring chances. His ‘ancient’ self, Bron, enjoys the battle in such instances where he gets to play bully ball. However, it won’t be easy.

Besides, “Julius Randle likes to bang. Rudy Gobert, physically speaking, is not weak. And McDaniels, as slim as he is, can get up in there, too. And Ant-Man is Ant-Man. It’s not easy.” Randle is known for his tough, physical style of play. Rudy Gobert, despite his size, is strong and doesn’t back down. Even Jaden McDaniels, though lean, can mix it up in the paint. And of course, Ant brings his own powerful, unstoppable energy. It’s a challenge for anyone.

The Lakers are in a tight spot, with their backs against the wall. LeBron James’s usual strength won’t cut it this time—Minnesota‘s firepower is too much to ignore. From Ant-Man’s relentless drive to the Wolves’ tough defense, LA has to dig deep. If they want to bounce back, someone on their squad needs to step up, or this series might slip away faster than expected.