On a Wednesday night in late October, the Los Angeles Lakers outlasted the Minnesota Timberwolves in a high-octane, back-and-forth battle that had fans on the edge of their seats — and not just because of the final score. The Lakers won 124-119 at Crypto.com Arena, with Austin Reaves delivering the kind of performance that turns heads in the second week of the 2025-2026 NBA season. Reaves dropped 30 points and grabbed seven rebounds, but it wasn’t just his scoring. It was the rhythm, the poise, the way he carved through double teams like they were ghosts. And when he wasn’t scoring, he was setting up others — especially Randall, who drained five three-pointers in the fourth quarter alone. The twist? Nobody saw this coming from him. A year ago, he was a bench warmer. Now? He’s shooting 42% from deep. The crowd didn’t just cheer — they stood. And stayed standing.
How the Game Unfolded
The game started slow, almost cautious. Both teams were 2-2, playing for momentum in a crowded Western Conference. The Timberwolves, led by Anthony Edwards (28 points) and Karl-Anthony Towns (24 points, 11 rebounds), looked sharp early, pushing a 12-point lead by halftime. But the Lakers didn’t panic. They never do. LeBron James, at 40, didn’t need to score 25 to win this game. He orchestrated. He passed. He drew defenders like magnets. And when the fourth quarter rolled around, it was Reaves who took over — hitting step-back threes, drawing fouls, and even blocking a last-second shot attempt by Rudy Gobert that sent the arena into a roar. The final 90 seconds? Pure theater. Two made threes by Randall. A steal by Anthony Davis. And then, with 12 seconds left, Reaves calmly sank two free throws to seal it. The final buzzer didn’t just end the game — it announced a new identity for this Lakers team.
Who’s Really Driving the Lakers’ Rise?
It’s easy to point to LeBron or Davis. But the real story? Depth. The Lakers didn’t just add players this offseason — they added chemistry. Randall, signed as a free agent after a brief stint with Portland, is now the team’s most efficient shooter. Venenzo, a second-year guard from Italy, hit two clutch threes in the final minutes — a luxury the Lakers didn’t have last year. And then there’s the bench. McDaniels, once known only as a slasher, now hits corner threes with cold-blooded consistency. The Lakers’ offense? It’s not just about stars anymore. It’s about spacing, movement, and unselfishness. Coach Darvin Ham didn’t just tweak the playbook — he rebuilt it. And it’s working.
Why This Game Matters Beyond the Box Score
This wasn’t just another win. It was a statement. The Lakers, valued at $7.5 billion by Forbes, are the NBA’s crown jewels — but they’ve spent the last three years trying to recapture their glory. The Timberwolves, at $3.2 billion, are the hungry upstarts with a young core that could dominate the next decade. This game was a preview of the next era. And the stakes? Four matchups this season. The next one’s in Minneapolis on December 15. By then, the narrative could shift. If the Timberwolves win that one, they’ll be seen as legitimate title contenders. If the Lakers sweep the series? They’ll be back in championship conversation. The NBA doesn’t always reward tradition — but it rewards relevance. And right now, the Lakers are reminding everyone they still have it.
How to Catch the Next Game — And What’s Next
The rematch in Minneapolis is already sold out. Tickets? Hard to find. But if you missed this one, don’t worry. The game was streamed live on ESPN, with replays available on NBA League Pass. The The Sports Fury YouTube channel offered a free, ad-supported play-by-play feed with real-time stats — perfect for fans without cable. And yes, they’re still running that promo: use code FURY on Sleeper for a 100% match up to $100 on your first fantasy draft. The NBA’s broadcast schedule remains unchanged: ESPN handles Wednesdays and Sundays, TNT takes Tuesdays and Thursdays. The next Lakers game? Friday against the Suns — on NBA TV. Don’t sleep on it.
The Bigger Picture: Lakers’ Legacy vs. Timberwolves’ Ascent
The Lakers were founded in 1947 in Minneapolis — the same city where the Timberwolves now play. They moved to LA in 1960 and won 17 titles, including the last one in 2020. The Timberwolves? Founded in 1989. Never won a championship. Never even made the Finals. But this year? They’ve got the pieces. Edwards is a superstar. Gobert is the best defensive anchor in the league. Towns? Still elite. The Lakers have history. The Timberwolves have hunger. And in a league where parity rules, that’s enough to make any game feel like a playoff battle. This October 29 matchup wasn’t just a win. It was a warning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Austin Reaves’ performance compare to his past seasons?
Reaves averaged 15.8 points per game last season. His 30-point outing on October 29, 2025, was his highest since joining the Lakers in 2022. He’s shooting 47% from three this season — up from 36% last year — and his usage rate has jumped 18%. This isn’t a fluke; it’s the result of a tailored offensive system under coach Darvin Ham.
Why is Randall suddenly such a threat from beyond the arc?
Randall, signed as a free agent after playing for Portland, was previously known as a finisher near the rim. This season, he’s been coached to space the floor and shoot off screens. His three-point percentage sits at 42.3% through six games — among the top 15 in the league for players with at least 30 attempts. His confidence, not just his mechanics, has changed.
Where can I watch the next Lakers-Timberwolves game?
The next matchup is on December 15, 2025, at Target Center in Minneapolis. It will be televised nationally on ESPN, with streaming available via NBA League Pass and the ESPN app. The game will also be broadcast on local networks: Spectrum SportsNet for Lakers fans and Bally Sports North for Timberwolves viewers.
What’s the significance of the Lakers’ $7.5 billion valuation?
The Lakers’ $7.5 billion valuation, per Forbes’ 2025 report, makes them the most valuable NBA franchise — nearly double the next closest team. This reflects global brand power, merchandising, media rights, and consistent playoff appearances. Even in rebuilding years, their revenue streams remain unmatched — a key reason they can afford to sign high-priced role players like Randall and Venenzo.
Has any team with no championships ever beaten the Lakers in a high-stakes game recently?
Yes. In 2023, the Denver Nuggets — then without a title — defeated the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals. The Timberwolves, despite never reaching the Finals, have now beaten the Lakers in two of their last three meetings since 2022. The gap in legacy doesn’t always translate to wins — especially when young talent like Edwards meets veteran savvy.
What role did the NBA’s broadcast schedule play in this game’s visibility?
The game aired on ESPN on Wednesday night — the network’s prime slot for marquee matchups. This ensured national exposure, especially important for a game between two Western Conference teams with playoff implications. Wednesday games draw higher viewership than Friday or Saturday matchups, helping elevate the profiles of rising stars like Reaves and Randall.