The Los Angeles Lakers return to the court for the first time in five days and have a chance for redemption when they take on the Minnesota Timberwolves. Austin Reaves has been listed as probable cause and is expected to return from a left pelvic contusion after missing the last five games, but LeBron James will miss his second straight contest because of left foot soreness.

When these teams met just a few weeks ago, the Lakers put together one of their most embarrassing efforts of the season, scoring a season-low 80 points in a 29-point loss. LeBron and Anthony Davis combined for just 22 points, the Lakers committed 20 turnovers and allowed the Timberwolves 15 three-pointers on the night.

First and foremost, the Lakers need Davis to be the man he was on opening night against this team, when he was the best player on the court and beat Rudy Gobert on both ends of the court. Reaves’ return to the lineup should help with playmaking, shooting and setting the tone with his efforts on both ends. But with LeBron out, the Lakers need Reaves to step in immediately as a primary creator.

It would be very important for D’Angelo Russell to maintain his current level of play, especially as a shooter, as he has shot 50% from distance in the last five games and his playmaking will be even more important if James is out. Rui Hachimura increased his scoring ability against Portland and needs more of it, while Dalton Knecht finding his shooting attack would also be a huge boost. He has found other ways to impact the game, particularly with his rebounds, but he has scored in single digits in points in four of the last five games.

For the Lakers, however, defense may be the area to watch most, as the team has talked about improving it this break. Communication is key, regardless of the plans they’ve tweaked, as it’s led to so many open looks at opponents, and that can’t happen against this Timberwolves team.

Minnesota ranks in the top 10 in both 3 points scored per game and 3-point percentage. In their last game, they outscored the Lakers from distance by 27 points while also scoring 20 transition points and 26 points off turnovers. All-Star winger Anthony Edwards scored just eight points and it didn’t matter because the Lakers kept everyone else going with easy balls in transition and wide-open three-pointers.

After the last time these teams met, this should be a game full of pride for the Lakers. Of course the Lakers need a win, but more important is the commitment, energy and fight this team shows. After all this time off there is no excuse not to play hard for 48 minutes and if the execution matches the effort they can come out of this break with a big win.

Los Angeles Lakers (13-11) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (12-11)

5:00 p.m. PT, Friday, December 13, 2024
Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
TV: Spectrum SportsNet
Radio: 710 AM ESPN LA

Expected Lakers starting lineup:

PG: Gabe Vincent
SG: Austin Reaves
SF: Max Christie
PF: Rui Hachimura
C: Anthony Davis

Key reserves: D’Angelo Russell, Dalton Knecht, Christian Koloko, Cam Reddish

Expected Timberwolves starting lineup:

PG: Mike Conley
SG: Anthony Edwards
SF: Jaden McDaniels
PF: Julius Randle
C: Rudy Gobert

Key Reserves: Naz Reid, Donte DiVincenzo, Nickeil Alexander-Walker

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