In a thrilling matchup on Thursday night, the Los Angeles Lakers managed to secure a victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves, despite a rocky second half. The Lakers initially appeared poised to run away with the game, but they had to dig deep to maintain their lead and ultimately clinch the win. Notably, their shooting performance left much to be desired, as they shot just 26.8% (11-41) from beyond the arc, while their free throw shooting also struggled at 69.6% (32-46). Despite these challenges, the Lakers can take pride in this victory, especially considering their previous encounters with the Wolves earlier this season.
As always, we’ll break down the performance of each player based on expectations, where a grade of "B" signifies an average outing. Let’s explore how each player contributed to this hard-fought win.
Minutes: 18 | Points: 5 | Rebounds: 3 | Assists: 2 | Field Goals: 2-6 | 3PT: 1-4 | Plus/Minus: +21
Rui Hachimura’s performance was cut short due to an injury, which is a significant concern for the team moving forward. Like head coach JJ Redick, I won’t speculate on the severity of his injury, but it’s reasonable to anticipate he may miss some time. Hachimura had been showing improvement on both ends of the court, and fans will be hoping for a quick recovery. Grade: B
Minutes: 37 | Points: 33 | Rebounds: 17 | Assists: 6 | Steals: 1 | Blocks: 1 | Field Goals: 11-21 | 3PT: 4-9 | Free Throws: 7-10 | Plus/Minus: +12
LeBron James continues to showcase his ability to adapt and reinvent his game. By moving off the ball more frequently, he has enhanced his rebounding skills, even as his assists have decreased slightly. Observers were treated to the sight of him receiving impressive outlet passes, reminiscent of his time with Luka Dončić. Grade: A
Minutes: 23 | Points: 10 | Rebounds: 7 | Steals: 1 | Blocks: 1 | Field Goals: 3-5 | Free Throws: 4-6 | Plus/Minus: +18
Jaxson Hayes had another commendable performance, especially in closing out the game with Hachimura sidelined. He effectively defended against Naz Reid, who struggled to make an impact throughout the game. Hayes has been a reliable presence since the Anthony Davis trade, continuing to impress fans and analysts alike. Grade: A-
Minutes: 38 | Points: 23 | Rebounds: 6 | Assists: 5 | Steals: 2 | Field Goals: 5-10 | 3PT: 2-5 | Free Throws: 11-12 | Plus/Minus: +9
Austin Reaves was one of the few Lakers to shine offensively during the game. Despite multiple shifts in his role this season, Reaves has maintained a consistent level of play, averaging approximately 20 points per game. His adaptability and shooting prowess have made him a vital asset for the team. Grade: A-
Minutes: 36 | Points: 21 | Rebounds: 13 | Assists: 5 | Field Goals: 6-20 | 3PT: 1-9 | Free Throws: 8-12 | Plus/Minus: +0
In what was arguably his worst game since joining the Lakers, Luka Dončić struggled to find his shooting rhythm and defensively faltered. However, he redeemed himself with a crucial shot late in the game that helped keep the Lakers in control. This performance can be chalked up to him still regaining his form, and fans will be hoping for better outings in the future. Grade: D+
Minutes: 31 | Points: 3 | Rebounds: 1 | Assists: 1 | Steals: 1 | Field Goals: 1-4 | 3PT: 1-4 | Plus/Minus: +1
Dorian Finney-Smith had a quieter game compared to his previous performances. It’s crucial for him to step up, especially if Hachimura is out for an extended period. His contributions will be vital as he may transition into a starting role. Grade: C+
Minutes: 20 | Points: 4 | Rebounds: 1 | Field Goals: 1-6 | 3PT: 0-5 | Free Throws: 2-2 | Plus/Minus: -5
Gabe Vincent has been experiencing a slump lately, struggling significantly from the field. Over the last four games, he’s shot just 6-24 overall and 4-20 from three-point range. Fans are hoping for a turnaround soon, as his contributions are critical for the Lakers' success. Grade: D
Minutes: 13 | Points: 5 | Rebounds: 2 | Assists: 1 | Field Goals: 2-3 | 3PT: 1-2 | Free Throws: 0-2 | Plus/Minus: -17
Jarred Vanderbilt had a mixed performance during the game. While he made a couple of positive plays, including a corner three-pointer, he needs to contribute more consistently. His minutes have been limited, but an increase could benefit the team if Hachimura is sidelined. Grade: C-
Minutes: 13 | Points: 7 | Rebounds: 1 | Assists: 1 | Steals: 2 | Field Goals: 3-5 | 3PT: 1-2 | Plus/Minus: +8
Jordan Goodwin had a solid bounce-back game and showcased his potential as a valuable asset for the Lakers. His performances will certainly prompt the organization to consider signing him to a standard NBA contract as the season progresses. Grade: B+
Minutes: 11 | Rebounds: 1 | Field Goals: 0-2 | 3PT: 0-1 | Free Throws: 0-2 | Plus/Minus: -2
Dalton Knecht’s shooting struggles continued, and it would be a boon for the Lakers if he could regain his form soon. His early-season performance feels like a distant memory, and fans are eager to see him contribute more effectively. Grade: F
Head Coach JJ Redick made some strategic decisions during the game, although there were moments when a timeout may have been beneficial to halt Minnesota's momentum. Nevertheless, the Lakers managed to find timely responses, suggesting that Redick has a keen understanding of his team's dynamics. Grade: B
On Thursday, the Lakers had several players who did not participate, including Alex Len, Shake Milton, Markieff Morris, and Cam Reddish. Additionally, Bronny James, Trey Jemison III, Christian Koloko, and Maxi Kleber were inactive for the game.
