The Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves will resume their first-round series later today. In their Game 1 victory, the Timberwolves took control from start to finish, winning 117-95, and it looked like they would win the series.
But then, the Lakers managed to rebound, as most teams featuring LeBron James do, tying this series at one game apiece after their 94-85 win in Game 2.
Game 3 was neck-and-neck between the two teams, despite Luka Dončić having a stomach bug, but the Timberwolves pulled ahead in the last four minutes, winning 116-104. With Game 4 approaching on Sunday, here’s everything there is to know going in.
Los Angeles Lakers Status vs. Timberwolves
According to The Athletic’s Jovan Buha, only one Laker appeared on their injury report: Maxi Kleber, who is out because of right foot surgery recovery. Kleber has not played for the Lakers since they acquired him in the Dončić trade.
This is good news for the Lakers because Kleber being the sole Laker on the injury report would indicate that Dončić has fully recovered from his stomach issue and should be 100% for Game 4.
Minnesota Timberwolves Status vs. Lakers
The only member of the Timberwolves squad who showed up on the injury report is first-round pick Rob Dillingham, who has been recovering from an ankle injury. The Timberwolves rookie wasn’t featured much in Minnesota’s rotation towards the end of the season, so his absence shouldn’t hurt them much.
All indications are that both sides will have their rotations in full when they square off, which should make Game 4 one hell of a ride.
Lakers vs. Timberwolves: Projected Lineups For Game 4
Los Angeles Lakers
- PG: Luka Dončić
- SG: Austin Reaves
- SF: LeBron James
- PF: Rui Hachimura
- C: Jaxson Hayes
Minnesota Timberwolves
- PG: Mike Conley
- SG: Anthony Edwards
- SF: Jaden McDaniels
- PF: Julius Randle
- C: Rudy Gobert
How to Watch Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
- When: Sunday, April 27, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. ET
- Where: Target Center in Minneapolis
- TV: ABC
With the Timberwolves up 2-1, this is a pivotal game for both sides for different reasons.
It’s a must-win for the Lakers because if they don’t tie it, they’d have to go back home down 3-1, where they’ve already lost once before to the Timberwolves in this series. Tying the series would give them hope that this series is far from over, and they have some of the best playoff closers to pull ahead.
For the Timberwolves, this is a golden opportunity to stomp on the Lakers’ heads when they have the chance. The bottom line is that going up against arguably one of the greatest players of all time, James, they can’t afford to mess around and give him and the Lakers any confidence. It’s also their chance to avenge last season’s playoff loss at the hands of Dončić.
Prediction: Timberwolves go up 3-1