The Lakers are back in action at Staples Center tonight to host the Minnesota Timberwolves and extend a warm welcome to longtime Laker Kurt Rambis.
The Lakers are one of the leagues two remaining unbeaten teams along with the New Orleans Hornets.
The Purple and Gold are seeking their 12th straight win over the Timberwolves as well as an 8 – 0 start for the second time in team history. They’re scoring a league-best 114 points per game which just happens to be the exact amount of points the Timberwolves are allowing and ranking dead last in the NBA in points allowed. They have struggled mightily losing 40 of 45 on the road since the start of last season.
The Lakers all-time record against the Wolves at the Staples Center is 17-4. However, the Wolves lead the league in rebounding by posting 48.7 per game.
The Wolves have been terrible of late, being treated like a Piñata; losing to Miami by 32, Orlando by 42, Memphis by 20, and Houston by 26. Despite the love that the Lakers have for Kurt Rambis, there will be a Purple and Gold addition to the above mentioned list.
The Lakers are playing in an excellent rhythm right now and receiving contributions from everyone. Their starters are getting the job done and the renegades are producing with little to no drop off when relieving the first unit. Tonight’s game won’t really be a game that challenges them, but the defending world champions will not have a let down or play down to their competition.
The Lakers defense is solid, but needs to continue to improve. They’re 13th in the league in points allowed (100.4) which is in the middle of the pack. Their defense will improve as the season goes on and with the return of Andrew Bynum.
You’re not going to see playoff intensity defense in November, but there is room for improvement in points allowed, points in the paint, turnovers and the need to play defense without fouling.
Kevin Love is the Wolves best all-around player despite his limited minutes. He’s a better rebounder and passer than he is a scorer. They’re a young team being overwhelmed; this won’t be the night for that trend to end.
The Lakers will move to 8-0 this season by running the triangle offense to perfection, using excellent ball movement and player movement, playing solid defense, and executing down the stretch.
Tip-off: 7:30 PM PST
Television -
- Los Angeles: FS West (Joel Myers & Stu Lantz)
- Minnesota: KSTC-45 (Tom Hanneman & Jim Petersen)
Radio -
- Los Angeles: 710 ESPN (Spero Dedes & Luke Walton)
- Minnesota: 1130 AM KFAN (Allan Horton & John Focke)
Injuries -
Lakers:
- Andrew Bynum (Knee) Out
- Theo Ratliff (Sore Left Knee) Probable
- Luke Walton (Strained Right Hamstring) Probable
Timberwolves:
- PG Luke Ridnour (Strained Left Hamstring) Listed as Questionable
- SG Martell Webster (Back Pain) Out
- PG Jonny Flynn (Left Hip) Out
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