Overview
- Jaxson Hayes was upgraded to available for Wednesday's game in Minnesota after a three-game absence with left patellar tendinopathy.
- Marcus Smart was downgraded to out with a right quadriceps contusion, further thinning Los Angeles' backcourt depth.
- Luka Dončić remains sidelined for roughly a week with a sprained left finger and lower-left leg contusion, and LeBron James continues to recover from right sciatica with a mid-November target.
- Austin Reaves has become the focal point for the Lakers, following a 51-point game against Sacramento with 41 against Portland as injuries mount.
- The Timberwolves are without Anthony Edwards for about two weeks due to a right hamstring strain, prompting expanded roles including more on-ball usage for Julius Randle.