Portland, OR — April 13, 2025
The Los Angeles Lakers are officially headed into the 2025 NBA Playoffs as the No. 3 seed, facing a surging Minnesota Timberwolves squad in the first round. But thanks to Luka Doncic’s playoff history against Minnesota — and head coach JJ Redick’s attention to detail — the Lakers enter the series with a strategic advantage few teams can match.
Luka Doncic’s Playoff Masterclass vs. Minnesota
Last year, Luka Doncic dismantled the Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals, leading his former team to a 4-1 series win. Now as a Laker, he brings that invaluable experience — and specific tactical insight — into the locker room.
2024 WCF Averages vs. Timberwolves:
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32.4 points per game
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9.6 rebounds
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8.2 assists
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2.2 steals
“There are nuances to what teams are trying to do against certain opponents,” Redick said. “We’ll lean on Luka for that.”
The Lakers hope Doncic’s knowledge will help crack Minnesota’s strong two-way attack.
Timberwolves Enter Hot, Balanced, and Confident
Minnesota closed the regular season on a 9-2 run, finishing 49-33 — just one win behind the Lakers. Led by All-Star guard Anthony Edwards, they rank top-10 in both offensive and defensive efficiency.
Key Stats:
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Offensive Rating: 115.7 (8th)
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Defensive Rating: 110.8 (6th)
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Anthony Edwards: 27.4 PPG, league-high 320 made three-pointers
Redick acknowledged the challenge:
“They present a lot of problems. They’ve played as well as anyone lately.”
Lakers’ Game Plan: Rest, Film, and a “Slow Drip” Approach
With the playoff bracket now set, the Lakers begin their postseason preparation this week. Redick is pacing the team’s workload deliberately:
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Monday: Off day
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Tuesday: Light practice and Warriors-Grizzlies play-in film study
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Wednesday onward: Full prep for Timberwolves
Redick stressed a balance between rest and readiness:
“We’re not rushing. This is about staying fresh and sharp.”
Injury Report: Key Players Rested for Finale
In Sunday’s 109-81 loss to Portland, the Lakers opted to rest most of their rotation. Players held out included:
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LeBron James (groin/thumb)
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Luka Doncic (quad)
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Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jaxson Hayes, Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber, Dorian Finney-Smith
Sources say all are expected to be available for Game 1, barring setbacks.
Lakers vs Timberwolves: Game 1 Set for Los Angeles
The Clippers’ overtime win against Golden State sealed the Western Conference playoff bracket. Moments after, Jarred Vanderbilt reportedly rallied teammates with the announcement:
“We’re going to Minnesota, boys!”
Now the Lakers turn their attention to Anthony Edwards and a Timberwolves team eager for revenge.
