After a disappointing season-opening loss to the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night, the Los Angeles Lakers are back in action Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Having been eliminated by Minnesota in last year’s playoffs, the Lakers enter the matchup energized and eager to flip the script.
Forward Rui Hachimura remembers that postseason meeting vividly and is using it as extra motivation. According to Lakers insider Dave McMenamin, Hachimura offered a passionate message leading into the contest.
“We got to let them know we are a different team now and we’re ready to fight,” Hachimura said.
The seventh-year forward also addressed the Timberwolves’ physical playing style, calling them one of the most physically imposing teams in the league. That toughness was on full display during last year’s first-round matchup, where Minnesota’s defense successfully disrupted the rhythm of stars Luka Dončić and LeBron James.
During the five-game series, the Lakers scored more than 100 points only three times and surpassed 105 points just once. Los Angeles struggled to generate consistent offense, while Minnesota used its length and strength to clog driving lanes and force contested shots.
This time around, the Lakers will again be without James, who remains sidelined with a lingering injury. That absence places added pressure on Hachimura to provide scoring and energy as a third or fourth option behind Dončić and Austin Reaves. Newly acquired center Deandre Ayton is also expected to play a significant role as the Lakers search for more efficiency inside.
Hachimura finished with nine points on 3-for-6 shooting in the opener, but coaches want him to be more assertive on both ends of the floor. With the team hoping to avoid an 0-2 start, the forward’s aggressiveness could be a deciding factor.
Following Friday’s matchup, Los Angeles will head north to face the Sacramento Kings on Sunday, where depth and scoring balance could again be tested early in the season.
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