Instead, it was the Minnesota Timberwolves spoiling James' 38-point gem with a 116-104 victory in Game 3 behind a career night from Jaden McDaniels and another potential torch-passing performance from Anthony Edwards -- who could be on his way to his third dethronement of an all-time great in the past two seasons.

The Los Angeles Lakers needed a win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday in order to even the series. Not only did they lose, but they fell into a 3-1 hole and are on the verge of being eliminated from the playoffs.

On Sunday, the two stepped onto the court with a similar goal of winning, and it led to an intense battle. Edwards ultimately finished with 43 points as the Wolves won 116-113 to take a 3-1 series lead. James had 27 points and 12 boards while his co-star Luka Dončić posted 38.