Timberwolves Secure Win Over LeBron-less Lakers in Defensive Battle

Minnesota's strong defense and balanced scoring outlast Los Angeles, who struggled offensively without LeBron James.

The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 97-87, marking their fifth win in six games and improving their home record against the Lakers to 14-2 since 2015-16.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 23 points, while Jaden McDaniels contributed 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 steals in a standout two-way performance.
The Lakers, missing LeBron James for the second straight game due to left foot soreness and personal reasons, committed a season-high 22 turnovers and shot just 38.4% from the field.
Anthony Davis recorded 23 points and 11 rebounds for Los Angeles, but the team has now lost eight of its last 11 games as offensive struggles persist.
Minnesota's defense, ranked fifth in the league, held the Lakers to under 40% shooting for the third time in four games, continuing their dominance on that end of the court.