LeBron James experienced a challenging night as the Los Angeles Lakers fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves 109-80, marking the team’s lowest score of the season. James managed just 10 points, the fewest he has recorded this season and only the 17th time in his illustrious career that he has scored in single digits. Despite this setback, he achieved a personal milestone by extending his NBA record for consecutive games scoring in double figures to 1,243.
James’ performance was particularly notable during the fourth quarter, where he tallied only eight points before hitting two free throws to reach the double-digit mark with just under nine minutes left in the game. Earlier in the week, he had put up 11 points against the Phoenix Suns and 12 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, raising questions about his current form. Additionally, during the game, cameras captured him flexing his right hand while sitting on the bench, prompting speculation about his health.
In contrast, D’Angelo Russell led the Lakers with 20 points, supported by Anthony Davis who contributed 12 points, 11 rebounds and five assists. Rui Hachimura also matched James’ 10 points. However, the Lakers struggled, particularly in shooting, hitting only 19% from beyond the arc.
The Timberwolves, who had a fresher roster having enjoyed two nights off before this game, dominated the court, especially in bench scoring where they amassed 54 points. Julius Randle was the top scorer for Minnesota with 18 points, followed by Rudy Gobert with 17 points and 12 rebounds.
Looking ahead, the Lakers will have a brief respite before facing off against the Miami Heat on Wednesday, while the Timberwolves will embark on a three-game trip starting with the Los Angeles Clippers. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching LeBron’s performance to see how he bounces back.
Despite the loss, the consistent resilience of the Lakers in navigating through this tough stretch showcases their potential for recovery in upcoming games. With foundational players like James and Davis, there is always hope for a turnaround.