Lakers vs. Timberwolves, 123-122: This Is How To Lose Properly

The Lakers’ finally showed what fans have waited for in a loss to the Timberwolves

The Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night in overtime. Both D’Angelo Russell and Roy Hibbert had a shot to win the game in the final seconds, but Russell’s was off-line and Hibbert’s never really had a chance. It was a loss; but a loss may never have felt this much like a win before.

Despite moronic preseason comments from Byron Scott and the front office, the 2015-16 Lakers season has always been about continuing a rebuilding process. That doesn’t include winning many games, but does include letting the young players like Russell, Julius Randle, and Jordan Clarkson develop. Despite Scott’s best efforts coming into the game, that’s largely what happened.

With Clarkson and Kobe Bryant both banged up, Scott’s hand was basically forced into playing both Russell and Randle down the stretch in the fourth quarter and in overtime. In just the second game since their recent demotion, both players seemed to send a clear message to Byron with their performance: “Bench this!”

Russell’s facilitating and shooting carried the offense late in the fourth quarter as he kept the Lakers competitive by knocking down triples and also hit the game-tying runner in the lane over Andrew Wiggins to force the extra five minutes of play. Meanwhile, Randle came through with his customary tough, energetic play in the overtime period and was the primary reason that the Lakers had a chance to get the win at all. 

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There were still problems for the Lakers; both Karl-Anthony Towns and Kevin Martin lit the Lakers up as they combined for 63 points on the night. However, it’s not about the loss or even about being perfect with this team.

When Scott chose to move Russell and Randle to the bench, most Lakers fans cried foul. Those few who didn’t, though, said all that mattered was that their workload stayed the same and that the young guys had the opportunity to close out games. The problem there, however, is that Scott hadn’t allowed his bright young stars to do that with any kind of consistency this season leading up to the demotion.His hand was forced on Wednesday night, though, and Russell and Randle shined when they were given the chance to at the end of a game.

The Lakers were always going to lose most nights out in the 2015-16 season. However, this is the type of losing that isn’t torturous for fans to endure. It puts the talents of these young players, the future of the organization, on display and let’s them garner experience that will actually have value and consequence down the road. The Lakers are going to lose, but this is how they need to lose if that’s the case.

Three stars

D’Angelo Russell’s clutch exploits were wildly impressive as the 19-year-old showed why he was the No. 2 pick. He finished the night with 23 points and three assists.

Julius Randle grabbed another double-double, finishing with 20 points and 12 rebounds while showing off his offensive prowess at crucial moments in overtime.

Lou Williams continues to seem miscast with this Lakers team, but still performed well throughout the night. He ended with 19 points, five assists, and seven rebounds on 7-11 shooting.

Highlights

Odds

The Timberwolves were 7.5-point favorites coming into this game on their home court, which they failed to cover in the overtime victory. The two teams also smashed the 204-point O/U line.

Next: Byron Scott's Time Should Be Up

Next Game

The Lakers’ road trip continues as they head to San Antonio on Friday to take on the Spurs. Oh no.

Minnesota will be on the road for their next game on Friday, traveling to Denver to take on the Nuggets.