The Los Angeles Lakers continued to successfully navigate star forward LeBron James’ injury absence on Tuesday, securing an emphatic 120-106 home victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The win marked the Lakers’ third straight, all without James, including two in a row against aspiring title contenders, fueling questions about the aging four-time MVP’s fit in LA.
Lakers’ Strong Play Without LeBron James Raises Speculation
While the Lakers’ defense has been a major weakness throughout most of the season, the team has taken noticeable strides in recent weeks.
After holding the Eastern Conference’s third-seeded New York Knicks (41-25) below 100 points during Sunday’s 110-97 home victory, Luka Dončić and Co. followed that up by outscoring Minnesota 75-61 in Tuesday’s second half.
LA led by as many as 23 points in what turned into a lopsided affair after halftime. No one on the Timberwolves exceeded 14 points, with superstar wing Anthony Edwards being held to just 2-for-15 shooting overall (13.3%), including 1-for-10 from 3-point range (10%).
Meanwhile, Dončić and his co-star Austin Reaves combined for 62 points, including 48 second-half points, as the Lakers seized control.
As for James, he sat out for the third consecutive outing due to hip and foot injuries. While the 41-year-old has remained an All-Star-caliber player when healthy, many were quick to point out that LA has fared better without him.
“Lakers at it again without defensive liability LeBron, holding Minnesota (4th in scoring at 119) to only 68 through 3 quarters in a blowout win. Afterward, Luka raved about playing with Austin Reaves and about how hard the Lakers played ON DEFENSE. Man,” veteran analyst and longtime James detractor Skip Bayless reacted.
Lakers at it again without defensive liability LeBron, holding Minnesota (4th in scoring at 119) to only 68 through 3 quarters in a blowout win. Afterward Luka raved about playing with Austin Reaves and about how hard the Lakers played ON DEFENSE. Man.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) March 11, 2026
“With Bron out, people can stop acting like [general manager Rob] Pelinka put together a ‘bad’ roster with the Lakers,” Los Angeles Clippers reporter Justin W contended.
With Bron out, people can stop acting like Pelinka put together a ‘bad’ roster with the Lakers.
— Justin W (@LAClippersFilm) March 11, 2026
“The Los Angeles Lakers sweep 3-0 the Minnesota Timberwolves — with all three wins coming without LeBron James,” The Athletic’s Law Murray noted.
The Los Angeles Lakers sweep 3-0 the Minnesota Timberwolves — with all three wins coming without LeBron James
Final score: Timberwolves 106, Los Angeles 120
Doncic: 31 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, 5/6 FTs
Lakers pass Timberwolves in standings for 4th
— Law Murray 🕯️ (@LawMurrayTheNU) March 11, 2026
“LA just followed up its best win of the season with an even better win. They improve to 40-25 and jump Minnesota to No. 4 in the West. Luka had 31/11/11. AR had 31/7/8. They were the two best players on the floor,” Lakers insider Jovan Buha wrote.
Final: Lakers 120, Wolves 106
LA just followed up its best win of the season with an even better win. They improve to 40-25 and jump Minnesota to No. 4 in the West. Luka had 31/11/11. AR had 31/7/8. They were the two best players on the floor.
Up next: vs. Chicago on Thursday.
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) March 11, 2026
“They’re figuring out how to deal with that trio, LeBron, Luka, and Austin. I think all three of them on the floor together might not be best for Austin,” Lakers legend James Worthy observed.
James Wrothy: “The trio with LeBron being out there isn’t the best for Austin Reaves.” pic.twitter.com/unuVY6LaWw
— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) March 11, 2026
On top of their three-game winning streak sans James, the Lakers (40-25) have won six of seven contests to rise to fourth in the Western Conference, edging out the Timberwolves (40-25) via a tiebreaker after sweeping their regular-season series 3-0.
LA is also 10-2 when Dončić and Reaves suit up without James, with each victory without the 23-year veteran seemingly making it easier for Lakers supporters to envision the franchise’s post-James future.
