The Lakers are building their first-round playoff strategy around a clear advantage – Luka Doncic’s inside knowledge of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Last year, Doncic led Dallas to a 4–1 win over the Wolves in the Western Conference Finals. Now in a Lakers jersey, he brings not only experience but a proven formula.
The LA coach JJ Redick isn’t letting that insight go to waste. He’s already tapping into Doncic’s memory of that matchup to fine-tune their game plan.
I just remember Luka giving the Timberwolves nasty belt last year😭
— Lane 😶🌫️ (@CookedByLane) April 14, 2025
He averaged 32/9/8 on 47% from the field and 43% from 3 vs them in the playoffs😮💨 pic.twitter.com/3wX0oGwvIx
The Lakers are also learning from what didn’t work. Assistant coach Greg St. Jean was on the Suns staff when Minnesota swept them out of the playoffs. That experience adds another layer of valuable context.
Minnesota, led by 23-year-old All-Star Anthony Edwards, won 49 games and finished top-10 in both offense and defense. Edwards averaged a career-high 27.4 points and led the league in 3-point makes, making him a constant threat. Redick knows they’ll need a tight, disciplined approach to contain him.
To get ready, the Lakers have mapped out a mix of rest, targeted practices, and film study, especially from the play-in games. They’re also studying their lone meeting with Minnesota after trading for Doncic, a game they won.
As Doncic put it, the Lakers are chasing a title, and every step of their preparation shows they mean it.
Lakers eye Nicolas Claxton in potential trade to fix center problem
The Los Angeles Lakers aren’t waiting for the offseason to start planning big. Their top priority? Landing a reliable starting center.
After a failed deal for Mark Williams due to medical concerns, the need has only grown. The Lakers want someone who can protect the paint and complement stars like Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James. One name keeps popping up: Nicolas Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets.
This is absolutely my new favorite trade for the Lakers after the Luka acquisition.
— Jake (@playoffjake) February 3, 2025
– You won’t have a center problem the next 3-5 years.
– You keep the 2031 first
– Luka and Bron will make Claxton the best lob threat in the nba pic.twitter.com/UVKLmPr7N5
Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley suggests a trade package that could send Rui Hachimura, rookie Dalton Knecht, a future first-round pick, and a pick swap to Brooklyn in exchange for Claxton.
Claxton, 25, brings exactly what the Lakers lack. He’s a long, athletic shot-blocker with great touch near the rim.
More importantly, Claxton is under contract for three more seasons. That gives L.A. a long-term solution at center, not just a rental.
Adding Claxton would bring balance to a roster built around perimeter talent. His rim protection and inside scoring could be the missing piece that boosts both ends of the floor.
READ: LeBron’s 25-Point Streak Ends, but Lakers Surge into Playoffs Behind Rookie Coach and Doncic Boost
I am a writer passionate about telling the stories behind the game of basketball. From the culture and personalities shaping the sport to the moments that define it, I explore basketball beyond the box score.
