Lake Show Life
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Los Angeles Lakers vs Minnesota Timberwolves recap and highlights

By Kenneth Teape

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 15: Josh Hart #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers Taj Gibson #67 of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers box out during the game between the two teams on February 15, 2018 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 15: Josh Hart #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers Taj Gibson #67 of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers box out during the game between the two teams on February 15, 2018 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Lakers blew a lead against the Minnesota Timberwolves, as they head into the All-Star break on a three-game losing streak.

The Los Angeles Lakers will be heading into the All-Star break with a sour taste in their mouth. After looking like they were getting things on track, they have fallen on tough times again.

The Lakers lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves 119-110 on Thursday night in their final game before the All-Star break. That makes it three games in a row that the Lakers have lost. As you can tell from the score, the Lakers defense once again lets them down.

Since defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder106-81 on February 8th, the Lakers defense has gone in the tank. Tonight was actually their best defensive effort since that game, which is embarrassing to say since they surrendered 119 points. They allowed 130 to the Dallas Mavericks on February 10th and 139 to the New Orleans Pelicans last night.

Minnesota didn’t shoot the lights out of the gym, making 46.7 percent from the field and only 25 percent from beyond the 3-point line. However, they fouled a ton, and Minnesota took advantage, knocking down 29-of-31 from the charity stripe. The Lakers, on the other hand, made only 18-of-26 from the line.

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Nemanja Bjelica was the only player on the Timberwolves that didn’t score at least six points, as all seven of his other teammates did. Taj Gibson led the way with 28 points, followed by 24 from Jimmy Butler. Karl-Anthony Towns scored 10 points with 19 rebounds, giving him his NBA leading 51st double-double of the season.

The Lakers defense really abandoned them in the fourth quarter, where the Timberwolves outscored them 35-20 to get the come from behind victory. In addition to the defense falling apart, the Lakers jump shot went ice cold as well.

Los Angeles ended the game missing 19 of their last 20 3-point attempts. They finished the game 7-of-31 from distance.

Julius Randle led the way once again with 23 points, adding nine rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block.

Despite the disappointing outcome, there was one bright spot. Ivica Zubac received extended minutes tonight and made the most of it. He double-doubled off the bench, scoring 19 points with 11 rebounds in 20 minutes. He made all eight of his shots from the field.

Highlights

Next: 50 Greatest Players In Lakers Franchise History

With the loss, the Lakers record drops to 23-34 on the season. They will have some time off now with the All-Star break upon us. The Lakers will be back on the court February 23rd at the STAPLES Center when they host the Dallas Mavericks.

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