The Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves both enter Wednesday’s matchup at Target Center (9:30 PM ET) with notable injury concerns that could impact rotations and game plans.
The Lakers, currently 2-2, are without Luka Doncic (left finger sprain, lower left leg contusion), LeBron James (right sciatica), Maxi Kleber (abdominal strain), Adou Thiero (left knee surgery recovery), and Gabe Vincent (left ankle sprain).
Marcus Smart (right quad contusion) and Jaxson Hayes (left patellar tendinopathy) are listed as questionable, leaving head coach JJ Redick with limited options for veteran leadership and perimeter defense. The team is relying on Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Deandre Ayton to carry the scoring load in the absence of Doncic and James.
Minnesota faces its own injury issues, though they are less extensive. Anthony Edwards (right hamstring strain) is out, while Jaylen Clark (left calf strain) is questionable. Rob Dillingham is available with a face mask, and Enrique Freeman and Rocco Zikarsky remain in the G League on two-way contracts.
The Lakers have averaged 118.0 points, 41.5 rebounds, and 24.5 assists through their first four games, with Reaves emerging as the primary offensive option in Doncic’s absence. Ayton continues to anchor the paint, contributing 9.3 rebounds per game.
The Timberwolves, also 2-2, are counting on Julius Randle and Jaden McDaniels to maintain offensive consistency, while Rudy Gobert remains a key presence inside. Minnesota is averaging 114.0 points, 41.5 rebounds, and 25.5 assists per game through four contests.
The injury situation raises questions about each team’s depth and rotation flexibility. For the Lakers, missing both Doncic and James significantly reduces playmaking and floor spacing. Minnesota must adjust without Edwards, relying on secondary scorers like Donte DiVincenzo and Alex Caruso to fill the gap.
