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18h ago

Dončić Lifts Lakers to First Win as Ayton Finds Groove, Then Lands on Injury Report

LeBron James' mid-November target date shifts the offensive load to Luka Dončić, whose finger sprain is now a concern.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 24: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during play against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on October 24, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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Timberwolves-Lakers: 4 takeaways from a showdown in L.A.
Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during play against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on October 24, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

Overview

  • Los Angeles beat Minnesota 128-110, with Luka Dončić scoring 49 to reach 92 points through two games, the most to start a season in Lakers history.
  • Austin Reaves added 25 points and a team-high 11 assists, while Deandre Ayton delivered 15 points and eight rebounds with improved pick-and-roll timing.
  • The Lakers listed Dončić as questionable for Sunday at Sacramento due to a left finger sprain; Jaxson Hayes is questionable and LeBron James remains out with sciatica targeting mid-November.
  • Head coach JJ Redick acknowledged fan angst after recent early exits and pointed to a challenging upcoming stretch as the team continues to build.
  • Rival evaluations caution that Los Angeles is highly dependent on Dončić without James, even as internal chemistry with Ayton and Reaves shows early progress.