Gobert, Wolves Extend Lakers’ Winless Start With 111–102 Win

Russell Westbrook (0) of the Los Angeles Lakers goes up for a shot while Karl-Anthony Towns (32) of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends in the fourth quarter of the game at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn., on Oct. 28, 2022. (David Berding/Getty Images)

MINNEAPOLIS—Anthony Edwards scored 16 of his 29 points in the third quarter, Rudy Gobert added 22 points and 21 rebounds, and the Minnesota Timberwolves extended the Los Angeles Lakers’ winless start with a 111–102 win on Friday night.

Karl-Anthony Towns scored 14 of his 21 points in the fourth and D’Angelo Russell had 11 points for Minnesota, which won back-to-back games for the first time this season and took control with an 11–4 run midway through the fourth.

LeBron James scored 28 points for Los Angeles, which was without Anthony Davis due to low back tightness. Russell Westbrook came off the bench for the first time since his rookie season and chipped in with 18 points and eight rebounds.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) works toward the basket against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, in Minneapolis, Minn., on Oct. 28, 2022. (Abbie Parr/AP Photo)

With his eighth field goal of the night, LeBron James recorded his 1,135th career 20-point game, passing Karl Malone for the most such games in NBA history.

The Lakers’ 0–5 start has been marred by poor shooting, and they were 41.6% from the field and 9 of 29 (31%) from 3-point range against the Timberwolves. Los Angeles entered the day with the league’s lowest shooting percentages, hitting 41.6% from the field and 22.3% from 3.

The Lakers also tied a season-high with 22 turnovers, leading to 25 points for the Timberwolves.

Without Davis, Minnesota used its twin towers of Gobert and Towns inside. Damian Jones started for Davis, but Gobert had his way early with six points and four rebounds as the Timberwolves built a nine-point advantage in the first quarter.

With its focus inside, Minnesota scored 46 points in the paint for the game.

Tip–Ins

Lakers: Coach Darvin Ham said Davis woke up Friday with the low back tightness and the team decided to take a cautious approach. Ham was hopeful Davis will be able to play when the team returns home and hosts Denver on Sunday. Friday was the first missed game of the season for Davis, who is averaging 24 points and 9.5 rebounds this season.

Westbrook passed Robert Parish for 29th on the all-time scoring list with 23,335 points on a second-quarter free throw.

Los Angeles had a season-high 55 rebounds, including a season-high 12 offensive boards.

Timberwolves: G Jordan McLaughlin was held out with right heel soreness. F Kyle Anderson missed his fourth straight game with back spasms.

G Austin Rivers returned after missing two games with right hip soreness. Rivers was the backup point guard with McLaughlin out.

Minnesota had a season-high 13 steals and eight blocks.

Up Next

Lakers: Host Denver on Sunday.

Timberwolves: At San Antonio on Sunday.

By Brian Hall