Heading into Wednesday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers, the Minnesota Timberwolves were shorthanded, with superstar guard Anthony Edwards forced to sit out due to a hamstring injury. The Lakers were in a similar situation, arguably much worse, with Luka Doncic and LeBron James sidelined by injuries.
Despite the Lakers’ injuries, which also included Marcus Smart, Maxi Kleber, Gabe Vincent, and rookie Adou Thiero, Los Angeles was able to compete with Julius Randle and company on Wednesday night in Minnesota.
What Did Anthony Edwards Say About This $15.6 Million Lakers Star in Viral Clip?
Although Austin Reaves stole all the headlines in the 116-115 win with 28 points, 16 assists, and the game-winner floater in the paint, Lakers newcomer Jake LaRavia had his best game with his team. Drafted 19th overall by the Timberwolves in the 2022 NBA draft, LaRavia has career earnings of $15.6 million so far.
LaRavia made such an impression in this game that Edwards, who had no idea who this guy was, caught his attention, torching his team. After a Timberwolves fan in the stands screamed, “Who is No. 12?” Edwards could help but respond with the same sentiment, “That’s what I’m saying! I don’t know!”
Wolves fan:
“Who is number 12?”Anthony Edwards:
“That’s what I’m saying! I don’t know!”pic.twitter.com/3sTNw47yJo— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) October 30, 2025
LaRavia went on to deliver an incredibly efficient performance, missing only one of his 11 field-goal attempts and finishing with 27 points, which surely grabbed the attention of Lakers fans.
With five games to start the 2025-26 campaign, the Lakers have a 3-2 record, which is quite impressive, considering the circumstances. The storied franchise is incredibly banged up at the moment, with both of its superstars sidelined, along with role players like Vincent, Smart, and Kleber.
The season-opening matchup with the Golden State Warriors seemed to be telling, as the Lakers appeared to be exposed on both ends of the floor, even though Doncic had a big night with 43 points.
Fortunately for Los Angeles, the team bounced back with a vengeance after the season opener, crushing the Timberwolves in an 18-point rout, highlighted by 49 points from Doncic. Then, with Doncic sidelined due to a finger sprain and a left leg contusion, Reaves went berserk against the Sacramento Kings, dropping a career-high 51 points.
Somehow, Reaves has been able to sustain that level of play without James or Doncic alongside him, scoring 41 points in the 122-108 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers and following that up with this remarkable performance against the Timberwolves.
Even though there’s a lot of basketball left to be played this season, the Lakers are showing some grit and resiliency with Reaves leading the way.
