Just when things started to look a little bright for the Lakers after the team won their first preseason game since last year, another defeat crept in. As the team clashed with Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, they suffered a 113-118 defeat. However, this once again has started reiterating questions about the Lakers squad and Darvin Ham\’s strategy for the season.
Timberwolves Crush Lakers In Preseason Game!
On Wednesday at Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles Lakers clashed with the Minnesota Timberwolves in their second-last preseason encounter. Darvin Ham, the head coach of the Lakers, gave every one of his important players their usual minutes for the first three quarters because the start of the regular season was less than a week away. Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert, the Minnesota team\’s two All-Star big men, did not play. It appears that the Lakers would have won as their young team came down to the court. However, the Timberwolves ended up winning 118–113, dropping the Lakers to 1-4 in the preseason series.
In the game, Minnesota Timberwolves decided to start without their regular season starting lineup of Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns. With a 3-pointer, a layup, and a layup from Lonnie Walker IV, LeBron James got Lakers\’ score going to open the game. The Timberwolves responded with three triples, though, and went into the first timeout ahead 11-9.
The Timberwolves fell early on, first by seven and then by six points. However, a ten-point spurt was sparked by a D\’Angelo Russell three-pointer and a Naz Reid field goal. In addition, the Timberwolves have taken the lead thanks to three-pointers from Anthony Edward and Naz Reid.
In the preseason of 2022, Minnesota had just defeated Lakers twice before. During the Las Vegas exhibition last week, the Timberwolves triumphed 114-99. LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Russell Westbrook, and Patrick Beverley were all on the bench in that clash. But Rudy Gobert was there as he started. This time around, every single one of those players was accessible. Still, Laker\’s preseason record dropped to 1-4 after the defeat suffered tonight.
Dennis Schroder Returns To LA!
The German star Dennis Schröder returned to the Los Angeles side in the game against Minnesota Timberwolves. Schröder, who is 29 years old, previously participated in league play for the Lakers in 2020–21. But in the opening round of the playoffs, he did not feature on the court. Meanwhile, Dennis\’s return to the side was not as he would have liked. He failed to score any points or assists.
Schröder had agreed to a one-year deal with his previous club just before taking home the bronze medal at the European Championship. Lately, he had a terrible 2021–22 season. But Ham was impressed by his play in the EuroBasket tournament. Therefore, Lakers resigned him.
Also, Read Lakers Vs. Timberwolves Lineup Predictions & Injury Update! Will LeBron James Play Tonight?