The Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves are about to battle in the first round of the playoffs, and both teams have their own stories heading in. Game 1 is scheduled for Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 5:30 PM PDT at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
The Lakers ended up with a solid 50-32 record this year. They were tough to beat at home, going 31-10, but weren’t so great on the road at 19-22. They’re probably feeling pretty good right now since they beat the Timberwolves 111-102 in their last matchup back in February.
The Timberwolves finished just behind at 49-33. Interestingly, they were road warriors with a strong 24-17 record away from home. But that recent loss to the Lakers might still be fresh in their minds as they head into this series.
Lakers’ Head-to-Head Record Against Timberwolves
Historically, the Lakers have maintained a dominant position over the Timberwolves. In 133 regular-season matchups, the Lakers lead with 87 wins to the Timberwolves’ 46 .
In the 2024–25 season, the series was evenly split 2–2. Notably, the Lakers secured victories in both home games, while the Timberwolves won their home fixtures.
Regarding playoff history, the Lakers have had the upper hand. In their previous postseason encounters, the Lakers have consistently outperformed the Timberwolves, further emphasizing their dominance in this rivalry.
Top Performers in Lakers vs. Timberwolves Clashes
Analyzing individual performances in recent matchups provides insight into potential game-changers for the upcoming series.
Los Angeles Lakers:
LeBron James has been huge for the Lakers when they play the Timberwolves. In their last game on February 27, he was unstoppable with 33 points – more than anyone else on the court. He just seems to find another gear when it matters most.
Anthony Davis has been doing his thing too, especially on defense. His shot-blocking and rebounding have really messed up Minnesota’s offensive plans.
The big showdown to watch is Davis versus Rudy Gobert. Anthony has owned the Wolves in the past – like when he put up 27 points and grabbed 25 rebounds in a game last year. Gobert’s got those three Defensive Player of the Year trophies for a reason, but he’ll have his hands full trying to stop Davis in the paint. Whoever wins this battle down low might just decide who takes the series.
Minnesota Timberwolves:
Anthony Edwards stands out as the Timberwolves’ primary offensive threat. In the December 13, 2024, victory over the Lakers, Edwards contributed significantly, underscoring his role as a catalyst for Minnesota’s offense .
Gobert anchors the Timberwolves’ defense, and his presence in the paint will be crucial in countering the Lakers’ interior scoring. Gobert’s defensive prowess is evident in his 2024–25 season averages of 12.0 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game, with a field goal percentage of 66.9%.
As the series unfolds, the performances of these key players will likely dictate the outcome. The Lakers’ experience and historical advantage provide them with confidence, but the Timberwolves’ emerging talents and recent competitiveness suggest a closely contested series ahead.