Lakers Edge Timberwolves for Fourth Straight Win as Dončić and LeBron Deliver in Clutch

The Los Angeles Lakers secured their fourth consecutive victory on Thursday night, defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 111-102 at Crypto.com Arena. The win allowed the Lakers to even the season series against Minnesota at 2-2 after losing their previous two matchups.

Austin Reaves set the tone early with a deep three to beat the shot clock, and Luka Dončić followed with impressive buckets and assists to help the Lakers establish an early lead. Everything seemed to be clicking for Los Angeles, as LeBron James banked in a three-pointer and Dončić converted a three-point play, pushing the lead into double digits. The Lakers’ defensive intensity also played a key role in their early dominance, helping them end the first quarter with a commanding 33-17 advantage.

Tempers flared toward the end of the first quarter when Anthony Edwards and Jarred Vanderbilt were both assessed technical fouls after a brief altercation. However, the Lakers maintained their momentum as James, Jordan Goodwin, and Rui Hachimura connected from deep, extending the lead to 23 points. Edwards tried to rally the Timberwolves with his scoring and playmaking, trimming the deficit to 11 by halftime, as the Lakers led 58-47 following a sluggish close to the second quarter.

Early in the third quarter, Hachimura suffered a left knee strain and was forced to leave the game. Despite this setback, the Lakers managed to regain control. Edwards, however, was ejected after picking up his second technical foul, dealing a significant blow to Minnesota’s comeback hopes.

Still, the Timberwolves refused to go away. After struggling offensively, the Lakers saw their lead shrink to just four points at 92-88 following an 11-0 Minnesota run. Missed free throws and poor perimeter shooting continued to plague L.A., but Dončić stepped up in the clutch. He ended his scoring drought with a crucial three-point play, followed by an off-balance three-pointer that provided some much-needed breathing room. The Lakers finally sealed the win by knocking down late free throws, keeping the Timberwolves at bay in the final moments.