There are certain phrases that any lifelong basketball player will immediately understand and respect. These adages are usually applied on the pickup court, when referees aren't part of the equation, but NBA players occasionally invoke them when the situation dictates it.

After the Los Angeles Lakers fell into a 3-1 series hole against the Minnesota Timberwolves with Sunday's 116-113 loss in Game 4, star forward LeBron James expressed frustration about a pivotal moment.

Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) celebrates with guard Anthony Edwards (5) after making a 3-point shot during the second half of Game 4 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers, Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)