When Luka Doncic sparked a 23‑point opening quarter, the Lakers never looked back against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena on Friday, October 24, 2025. The final score—128‑110—marked Los Angeles’ first win of the 2025‑26 season after a bruising opener loss to Golden State, and it gave the franchise a chance to rewrite the narrative of last year’s playoff defeat.
Game Overview
The matchup was billed as a litmus test for two very different preseason trajectories. The Timberwolves entered with a 1‑0 record after a 118‑114 victory over Portland, while the Lakers were reeling from a 119‑111 loss to the Warriors. From the tip‑off, the atmosphere inside Crypto.com Arena crackled, and the first quarter lived up to its hype.
Lakers vs. Timberwolves regular-season gameCrypto.com Arena saw Doncic drop 23 points on 8‑of‑12 shooting, including four triples, matching the elite opening‑quarter performances of Kobe Bryant and Kyle Kuzma from the past three decades.
By halftime, Los Angeles had built a 12‑point lead, largely thanks to a balanced attack: Austin Reaves recorded a triple‑double‑ish line with 25 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds, while Rui Hachimura added 23 points. The Timberwolves fought back briefly, fueled by Anthony Edwards’ 31 points, but couldn’t close the gap.
Key Performances
- Luka Doncic: 39 points, 8‑3 from three, 6 assists. His early surge set the tone.
- Austin Reaves: 25 points, 11 assists, 7 rebounds – the first triple‑double of his career.
- Anthony Edwards: 31 points on 12‑of‑21 shooting, keeping Minnesota in the game.
- Julius Randle: 26 points, 10 rebounds, anchoring the Timberwolves’ frontcourt.
- Deandre Ayton: 15 points, 9 rebounds for the Lakers, providing interior stability.
"We wanted to stay aggressive and keep the ball moving," Reaves said in the post‑game interview. "Even with Luka’s hand hurting, the energy never dropped. Everyone bought into the game plan early on."
Injuries and Lineup Adjustments
The night was not without drama. Doncic, still nursing a groin strain from the Warriors opener on October 21, clutched his left hand after a hard fall early in the second quarter. The guard grabbed at his fingers, grimaced, but stayed on the floor and kept scoring. He finished the night with a fluid shooting line and later admitted the pain was “manageable.”
LeBron James watched from the bench, sporting an Arizona Wildcats jersey in honor of his son Bryce, who is sidelined with sciatica until at least mid‑November. Bronny James, making his season debut, logged 3 minutes and 14 seconds, taking a couple of defensive rebounds before exiting.
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch kept the starting five intact: Edwards, Donte DiVincenzo, Jaden McDaniels, Rudy Gobert, and Randle. Their continuity mirrors the roster that fell to the Lakers in the 2024 playoffs, a fact that added an extra layer of intrigue.
What the Win Means for Both Teams
For the Lakers, the victory is a psychological reset. After a 119‑111 loss where chemistry hiccups cost them, this 128‑110 triumph shows that the core—Doncic, Reaves, Hachimura, Ayton—can click even when key veterans are out. It also gives coach Darvin Ham a proof point for his rotating guard strategy, which many critics called “experimental” during the opening night.
Timberwolves, on the other hand, suffered their first loss of the season, slipping to 1‑1. The defeat highlighted a reliance on Edwards and Randle for scoring, while the bench contributed just 18 points. Finch praised his squad’s resilience but warned that “depth will be tested as the schedule tightens.”
Upcoming Schedule and Stakes
The next day, the Lakers will travel to Sacramento to face the Kings on Sunday, October 26. That game will be the first real test of their road chemistry, with Doncic still nursing his hand. Meanwhile, Minnesota hosts the Indiana Pacers on the same night, looking to bounce back and re‑establish themselves as early contenders in the Western Conference.
Both clubs have packed itineraries over the next two weeks, featuring back‑to‑back stretches against elite opponents. How they manage injuries and rotate players could dictate whether they become playoff hopefuls or settle into mid‑table mediocrity.
Historical Context
Last season’s first‑round series ended with Minnesota beating Los Angeles 4‑1, a rare playoff upset for the storied franchise. The 2025‑26 opening games offered a chance for redemption, and while the Lakers still missed LeBron, the performance of their young core suggests they’re not just chasing the past glory but building a new identity.
Statistically, the 23‑point first quarter is tied for the third‑best opening burst in Lakers history, trailing only Kobe Bryant’s 27‑point opening against the Phoenix Suns in 2006 and Kyle Kuzma’s identical output in 2019. That nugget of history underlines how special Doncic’s early dominance was, especially given the lingering hand issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Luka Doncic’s hand injury affect the Lakers’ upcoming games?
Doncic disclosed that the fracture‑type pain is mild and he plans to wear a supportive wrap. While his shooting rhythm might dip slightly, the team’s depth—especially with Reaves and Hachimura—should cushion any short‑term impact.
What does the win mean for the Lakers’ playoff odds?
Starting 1‑0 after a loss is a morale boost, but the Western Conference is stacked. Consistent performances from the Doncic‑Reaves duo could push the Lakers into the top six, improving home‑court chances later.
Why was Anthony Edwards’ 31‑point effort not enough?
Edwards scored efficiently, but the Timberwolves relied heavily on three‑point shooting. Their bench contributed only 18 points, and defensive lapses in the paint allowed the Lakers to dominate second‑chance opportunities.
When does LeBron James return from his sciatica injury?
Team doctors have projected a mid‑November return, contingent on a gradual rehab schedule. Until then, the Lakers will lean on their younger core to fill the leadership void.
What are the Timberwolves’ key challenges moving forward?
Depth remains the biggest issue. While the starting five are statistically solid, the bench’s scoring slump needs fixing if Minnesota hopes to stay competitive in the tough Western schedule.
