The Lakers, the West’s No. 3 seed, will play the No. 6 Timberwolves in the first round. With a full week to prepare, L.A. is using the time wisely.
On Tuesday, the team focused on refining their own game. By Wednesday, they’ll start studying Minnesota’s plays. This step-by-step approach prevents overload and helps players absorb strategies.
“We will spend some time, Tuesday, Wednesday, introducing a little bit of playoff stuff,” coach JJ Redick said, according to Heavy. “We can map out what we wanna do in terms of Minnesota prep Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, potentially Saturday.”
The break also gives stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis extra rest – key after a grueling 82-game season.
The Los Angeles Lakers will face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the Playoffs 🍿👀
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) April 13, 2025
ANT V LUKA – WHO YOU GOT?! pic.twitter.com/I5qc4QSItn
Home court could decide the series
In the regular season, both teams won at home. The Lakers took both games in L.A., while the Timberwolves defended their court twice. That trend suggests home-court advantage may play a big role.
Game 1 tips off April 19. The playoffs run until June 2, setting up an intense Western Conference showdown.
The Timberwolves present a tough opening test for the Lakers
Facing the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round, they bring balance, depth, and momentum. Coach Chris Finch has guided them back to the postseason after last year’s Western Conference Finals run. Even with Karl-Anthony Towns missing time, they’ve remained strong, ranking top-10 in both offense and defense.
JJ Redick called them a “very difficult opponent,” noting their recent elite play. “They present a lot of problems,” he said.
“Very difficult opponent… They’ve played as well as anyone lately… They present a lot of problems”
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) April 13, 2025
– JJ Redick on facing the Timberwolves 👀 pic.twitter.com/ET5AQElUcJ
The Lakers have playoff experience, but their defense could be an issue. Luka Doncic’s past matchups against Minnesota may help, but this Lakers team has weaknesses. LeBron James, though still dominant, could be targeted in pick-and-rolls. Opponents may exploit mismatches without fouling.
To counter this, the Lakers will rely on defenders like Jarred Vanderbilt and Dorian Finney-Smith. Their job? Slow down Minnesota’s key players – Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and Naz Reid.
For the Lakers to win, they’ll need relentless focus and effort. Anything less, and the Timberwolves will take control.
READ: Luka Doncic’s Playoff Past Fuels Lakers’ Plan for Timberwolves Clash
