The Los Angeles Lakers will be back in action on Friday in Minnesota after a few much-needed days off. It will be the third time the teams have met this season and the second time in less than two weeks.
The Timberwolves routed the Lakers on Dec. 2 in a 109-80 win. D'Angelo Russell led LA with 20 points. Anthony Davis (12), LeBron James (10), and Rui Hachiumra (10) were the only other Lakers to score in double digits. Los Angeles fans hope Friday's game ends similarly to the first two the teams met this season, which resulted in a 110-103 win.
It won't be easy, as the Lakers will be without LeBron. He missed his first game of the season on Sunday against Portland due to left foot soreness. LeBron missed practice on Wednesday for what JJ Redick said was a personal, excused absence. The head coach also said he met with a few players individually on Tuesday, but LeBron wasn't there.
LeBron James' status for tonight's game vs. Timberwolves
LeBron James (foot) is out.
Anthony Davis' status for tonight's game vs. Timberwolves
Anthony Davis (foot) is listed as probable.
Austin Reaves' status for tonight's game vs. Timberwolves
Austin Reaves (pelvis) is listed as questionable. He last played on Nov. 29 against the Thunder.
Lakers injury report
Anthony Davis (foot) is probable. Austin Reaves (pelvis) is questionable. LeBron James (foot), Jarred Vanderbilt (knee), Jaxson Hayes (ankle), and Christian Wood (knee) are out.
Timberwolves injury report
Joe Ingles (calf) is out.
Projected starting lineups tonight
Los Angeles: D'Angelo Russell, Dalton Knecht, Rui Hachimura, Cam Reddish, Anthony Davis
Minnesota: Mike Conley, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert
How to watch Lakers at Timberwolves Dec. 13
The game won't be broadcast nationally, but it will be available locally on Spectrum SportsNet and FanDuel Sports Network North for fans in the Upper Midwest region. It will also be available on NBA League Pass. Tip-off is scheduled for 5 p.m. PT.
Lakers' next five regular-season games
Sunday, Dec. 15: Grizzlies at Lakers (6:30 p.m. PT)
Thursday, Dec. 19: Lakers at Kings (7 p.m. PT)
Saturday, Dec. 21: Lakers at Kings (3 p.m. PT)
Monday, Dec. 23: Pistons at Lakers (7:30 p.m. PT)
Wednesday, Dec. 25: Lakers at Warriors (5 p.m. PT on ABC/ESPN)