LeBron James had a rare off night as he scored only 10 points in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 109-80 defeat against the Minnesota Timberwolves. This performance marked the lowest scoring game for James this season—the 17th instance in his career where he has scored 10 points or fewer. Despite this setback, he extended his remarkable streak of scoring in double figures to 1,243 games, solidifying his status in NBA history.
Anthony Davis has often taken on the role of leading scorer, doing so 11 times this season compared to James’ four. In contrast to James, Davis contributed 12 points along with 11 rebounds and five assists during the game. The Lakers’ struggle was evident, as they recorded their lowest team score of the season with just 80 points.
D’Angelo Russell led the Lakers with 20 points while shooting exceptionally well from beyond the arc, going 4-of-5 from three-point range. Rui Hachimura managed to match James with 10 points, while other players like Dalton Knecht put up a quieter performance.
The Timberwolves capitalized on their well-rested status, having two nights off prior to the game, and showcased their depth with a strong bench performance that produced 54 points. Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle led Minnesota with solid contributions, helping the team maintain a comfortable lead throughout the game.
Looking ahead, the Lakers will take a brief respite before facing the Miami Heat, while the Timberwolves head into a challenging three-game trip starting with the Los Angeles Clippers. Despite this tough loss, Lakers fans can hold onto the hope that the team’s resilience and performance in the upcoming games can lead to a resurgence, especially as they continue to integrate their star players and refine their strategies.