Lakers News: Starters for LA, Top-Seeded Minnesota Revealed Ahead of Sunday Night Clash

An All-NBA player is missing from this game.

The Lakers host the 44-20 Minnesota Timberwolves tonight in a rematch from the 2023 play-in, where L.A. picked up a 100-95 victory. 

With All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) ruled out, the Wolves will turn to backup guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker in his place, running a bit smaller tonight. Joining him are Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels in the frontcourt, along with elite young guard Anthony Edwards and Mike Conley in the backcourt. 

Per Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the Lakers will again turn to their 9-3 starting lineup of Austin Reaves, D'Angelo Russell, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, and Anthony Davis. 

Lakers' starters vs. Minnesota:

D'Angelo Russell
Austin Reaves
Rui Hachimura
LeBron James
Anthony Davis

Record as starters: 9-3

— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) March 11, 2024

This group has been highly impressive overall, especially on the offensive end, which will be much needed against a terrific Wolves defense. Without Karl-Anthony Towns, their offense is certainly worse, opening the door to a Lakers victory.

That being said, with Anthony Edwards and a solid bench, the Wolves have the propensity to put up bigger showings offensively – it'll come down to how a reeling Lakers defense can stop an otherwise mediocre offense.