With 0.7 seconds left and the Los Angeles Lakers trailing by one, Austin Reaves caught the inbound pass, spun past two defenders, and drained a 12-foot floater in the lane as the buzzer sounded. The Minnesota Timberwolves had fought back from a 17-point deficit, but in the end, it was Reaves — not LeBron James, not Anthony Davis — who became the hero. The final: 116-115. The venue: Target Center, Minneapolis. The date: October 29, 2025. And the message? The Lakers aren’t just surviving without their superstars — they’re finding ways to win.
A Game of Momentum Swings
The Lakers came out firing, dropping 32 points in the first quarter, led by Reaves’ aggressive drives and sharp off-ball movement. But the Timberwolves answered with 34 of their own, fueled by Anthony Edwards hitting two clutch threes and a fadeaway jumper that left defenders grasping at air. By halftime, Minnesota had clawed back into the game, cutting the lead to just two points despite Rudy Gobert committing a bizarre travel violation — seven steps, no dribble, no excuse — that drew groans from the home crowd.
The third quarter was a showcase of resilience. The Lakers outscored Minnesota 35-28, with Reaves hitting three consecutive mid-range jumpers, each one more difficult than the last. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves struggled to find rhythm, with Naz Reid delivering a beautiful left-handed layup only to be knocked out of bounds by a hard foul — a play that sparked a 9-0 Lakers run. The broadcast’s odd reference to "Loravia" was clearly a misheard "Naz Reid," but the moment stuck: a quiet star making a loud impact.
No LeBron, No Luka — But Plenty of Grit
"No Luca, no LeBron means a lot of changes," said one analyst during a timeout. And it was true. LeBron James was sidelined with a calf strain, and Luka Dončić — though not on either team — was mentioned in error by a confused commentator, likely mixing up narratives from other games. Still, the Lakers didn’t fold. Reaves, who entered the season as a role player, has now scored 28+ points in two of his last three games. His poise under pressure has turned heads. "He doesn’t just take big shots," said Lakers assistant coach Mark Madsen after the game. "He makes them look easy. That’s the sign of a guy who’s earned the right to take them."
The Timberwolves, meanwhile, showed flashes of brilliance. Edwards finished with 29 points, including a 27-footer with 1:12 left that tied the game at 115. But their late-game execution faltered. With 18 seconds left and the ball in their hands, they ran a set play that ended in a contested three from Jaden McDaniels — airballed. The rebound went to Reaves, who called timeout with 3.2 seconds left. The rest? History.
Standings Shake-Up in the West
With the win, the Los Angeles Lakers improved to 3-2, moving into third place in the Western Conference — one game behind the Golden State Warriors (4-1) and half a game ahead of the Los Angeles Clippers (2-2). The Timberwolves dropped to 2-3, still three games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder (5-0), who remain the only undefeated team in the conference. The Northwest Division is shaping up as a four-team race, with Denver (3-1), Portland (3-2), and Utah (2-2) all within two games of the top.
What’s surprising isn’t just the Lakers’ record — it’s how they’re getting there. Without James and Davis playing heavy minutes, the team is relying on depth. Reaves, D’Angelo Russell (21 points, 8 assists), and rookie forward D’Moi Hodge (14 points, 7 rebounds) have formed an unexpected trio. "We’re not a star-driven team right now," said head coach Darvin Ham. "We’re a team-driven team. And that’s okay."
What’s Next?
The Lakers return home to face the Phoenix Suns on Friday, a team that’s lost four straight and looks increasingly out of sync. The Timberwolves, meanwhile, head to Salt Lake City to take on the Jazz — a matchup that could determine whether they’re a playoff contender or just another middle-tier team with talent but no cohesion.
One thing’s clear: the NBA season is still young, but the narrative has already shifted. The Lakers aren’t just waiting for LeBron to return. They’re building something new — and Reaves might just be the face of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Austin Reaves become the go-to guy for the Lakers without LeBron James?
Reaves has steadily earned more responsibility since the 2024-25 season, averaging 18.3 points per game last year. This season, with LeBron sidelined, his usage rate jumped from 21% to 29%, and his clutch shooting (points scored in the final five minutes of close games) is now top-five in the league. He’s not just taking shots — he’s making them under pressure, with a 47% field goal rate in clutch situations.
Why is the Timberwolves’ late-game offense struggling despite having Anthony Edwards?
Edwards is explosive, but Minnesota’s offense lacks a consistent secondary playmaker. D’Angelo Russell is out for the season, and Malik Beasley has been inconsistent. When Edwards is doubled, the ball often gets stuck in isolation. Against the Lakers, they had 12 assists on 42 made field goals — well below their season average of 26.5. They need better ball movement to unlock their potential.
What impact does the absence of LeBron James have on the Lakers’ chemistry?
Without LeBron, the Lakers are playing a faster, more unselfish style. Their assist-to-turnover ratio has improved from 1.8:1 to 2.3:1, and their three-point shooting has jumped from 34% to 38.5%. Younger players like Reaves and Hodge are stepping up, and veteran D’Angelo Russell is mentoring them. The team is adapting — not just surviving — without their superstar.
Is the Timberwolves’ defense still a concern after Rudy Gobert’s performance?
Gobert had 11 rebounds and 3 blocks, but his off-ball awareness remains inconsistent. The Lakers scored 68 points in the paint, and Minnesota allowed 14 fast-break points. Gobert’s presence helps in the half-court, but the team’s perimeter defense is porous. They rank 22nd in opponent three-point percentage (37.9%), and that’s a problem against teams like the Lakers who spread the floor.
What does this win mean for the Lakers’ playoff chances?
A 3-2 start is solid, but the Lakers are still behind the Warriors, Clippers, and Nuggets. To be a true contender, they need to win at least 7 of their next 10 games. Reaves’ emergence gives them flexibility — they can now win with defense, pace, or late-game execution. If James returns healthy, they could be dangerous. If not, they’ve proven they don’t need him to compete.
Were the broadcast errors about "Loravia" and "San Antonio" real mistakes?
Yes. "Loravia" was a mishearing of Naz Reid, and "San Antonio" was likely a garbled reference to Marcus Smart, who plays for the Celtics — not the Spurs. The commentary was rushed and chaotic, typical of live broadcasts during high-intensity games. These errors don’t reflect the actual facts of the game, just the noise of live TV.
