After all the questions and conjecture, it’s time to play some real games. The Lakers officially kick off the 2024-25 NBA season tonight at the Crypt against the Minnesota Timberwolves. It’s as good an early season test as you can ask for, and reflects the challenge facing the Lakers over the first 15 games, thanks to a brutal early slate of games. (And let’s be honest, here - it’s the Western Conference. It really doesn’t get any easier for the final 67 games, either.)
So what to expect in tonight’s game? We welcome Ben Beeckman, host of Locked On Wolves, to help break it down.
Big Questions for Tuesday Night
- Guarding the Anthonys. How will the Wolves slow down Anthony Davis? Who can the Lakers put on Anthony Edwards?
- Who adapts to change faster? Minnesota has more talent, but made a huge trade a couple weeks ago. The Lakers have continuity, but a new coach.
- Can Austin Reaves quickly establish himself as LA’s third best player?
Words to Live By
1. On the Western Conference’s Toughness: “The west is going to be so brutal. I mean, like we could talk, we get into this maybe a little bit, but like just how compressed the win totals are going to be...”
2. On the Impact of the Towns Trade: “I just think the, the most likely best case or the ceiling of (Minnesota) is a little bit lower without Karl-Anthony Towns and that doesn’t include some of the off-court stuff.”
3. On the Lakers’ Defensive Challenges: “Who guards Ant for the Lakers? Because with Jared Vanderbilt hurt, that’s your first choice in a perfect world, off the table. And, you know, Ant is too big and strong for Austin Reaves. He’s too big and fast for Rui Hachimura.”
4. On the Lakers’ Offensive Strategy: “JJ Redick has really emphasized the idea of, “We don’t want guys standing around. We want to keep guys in continual motion.”