Lakers vs Timberwolves Preview: Ben Simmons Bound
By Eric Yee
Tuesday night the Los Angeles Lakers take on the Minnesota Timberwolves in the battle of the West Coast bottom dwellers
When looking deeper at the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves, the two teams are more similar than at first glance.
Finishing with the first and second best draft picks of last season should be a good indicator of how their seasons have gone so far. With a combined record of 23 wins and 76 losses, despite housing solid young talent, the two teams often put on unbearable performances.
Together, the teams have five representatives being sent to the Rising Stars Challenge during All-Star weekend — Jordan Clarkson, D’Angelo Russell, Zach LaVine, Karl-Anthony Towns, Andrew Wiggins — all of whom are assumed to be the future of their respective franchises.
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Additionally, the two teams house legends, Kobe Bryant for the Lakers and Kevin Garnett for the Wolves, with a mixture of savvy veterans sprinkled into their rosters. However, both sit at the bottom of the Western Conference standings leading to the question, are their long term plans even working?
Though they’ve stockpiled young assets while they’ve honored their veterans, have they really made any strides towards a better future?
Those questions remain to be answered, but the end of the Ben Simmons sweepstakes could signal the end of each team’s ongoing tank job, as his acquisition would undoubtedly help push either team back into relevance in the coming years.
Minnesota Timberwolves at Los Angeles Lakers
Date: Tuesday, Feb. 2
Start Time: 7:30 p.m. PT
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Arena: STAPLES Center
TV Info: TWC Sportsnet
Live Stream: NBA League Pass
Radio: Here
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Timberwolves -4.5
Moneyline: Wolves -185, Lakers +165
O/U: 205
Injury Report
Los Angeles Lakers: Larry Nance Jr. (knee)—Out, Kobe Bryant (shoulder)—Probable,
Minnesota Timberwolves: Nikola Pekovic (sore foot)—Doubtful, Kevin Garnett (knee)—Doubtful, Kevin Martin (wrist)—Doubtful
Next: Should the Lakers Pursue Al Horford Trade?
Prediction
The Lakers take advantage of the Timberwolves’ injuries and break their franchise long ten game losing streak behind a bounce back game from D’Angelo Russell. That, or the Lakers lose this game, sealing the fate of their tank job, going on to lose 20 in a row, en route to the first pick.
Hello, Ben Simmons!
Final. 104. 20. 97. 86
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