Lakers vs Timberwolves Preseason Preview
The NBA 2024-25 Preseason is officially underway, and the Los Angeles Lakers will go against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the newly-opened Acrisure Arena in Palm Springs on Friday night.
Lakers shootaround in Palm Desert pic.twitter.com/MynfohIXEh
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) October 4, 2024
This will be the first game for new head coach JJ Redick. We’ll first examine what Redick and his coaching staff have planned during training camp. It will also be a new experience for the Timberwolves after a blockbuster trade. New addition Donte DiVincenzo will play while former Laker Julius Randle is out.
Rotation Spots
After the first day of training camp, Redick revealed that he envisioned a 9-man rotation. He discussed the players pushing for rotation spots off the bench. He also elaborated that it is not set in stone, and he is willing to adapt if necessary.
Several players will be showcasing their skills to make the roster and fulfill their roles. Jaxson Hayes could lock up the backup big spot with Christian Wood being out due to knee surgery. Max Christie is another player to watch after he signed a new contract this offseason and has been a standout during training camp.
Max Christie
— ²³ (@SpeakContext) July 2, 2024
Buy your stock now – talk soon. 📈🍿 pic.twitter.com/uvKYGHLWGJ
Another player to look out for is Jalen Hood-Schifino, who just had back surgery and is fully recovered; he has a lot to prove and is drawing attention immediately from training camp.
Here’s a look at Jalen Hood-Schifino’s new jump shot form (and Maxwell Lewis). pic.twitter.com/1KJ2cfszfi
— Daniel Starkand (@DStarkand) October 2, 2024
No LeBron James
During training camp, Redick revealed that he would play his stars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, at some point during the first preseason games this weekend and rest them for one of the games after a busy summer with Team USA. “They’re going to play this weekend. But we’re still talking through what minutes and rotations look like for everybody,“ via ESPN writer Dave McMenamin.
LeBron James will not play in the Lakers’ first preseason game on Friday, so he will suit up on Sunday against the Phoenix Suns. Davis will also not play on Friday but will join LeBron in action on Sunday.
LeBron will NOT play in tonight’s preseason game against the Timberwolves, per @mcten.
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) October 4, 2024
We’ll have to wait until Sunday to see the King back in action. pic.twitter.com/BeC0iSO65d
The Lakers should seize the preseason to gain momentum and find their identity under their new coach. Fans and experts will watch intently to see how the squad reacts and what storylines arise as they prepare for the regular season.
