**LA Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: Preview and Injury Update for October 29**
The LA Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves are set to face off for the second time in a week on Wednesday. Their previous meeting took place last Friday at the Crypto.com Arena, where the Lakers emerged victorious with a 128-110 win, thanks in large part to Luka Doncic’s spectacular 49-point performance. Doncic also contributed 11 rebounds and eight assists, narrowly missing out on a 50-point triple-double. Austin Reaves complemented him well, delivering an efficient 25-point game along with seven rebounds and 11 assists, shooting 9 of 15 from the field.
### Key Players and Impact
For Wednesday’s game, Austin Reaves is expected to step up offensively once again. Luka Doncic will miss his third consecutive game due to a left finger sprain and left leg contusion. Doncic has been the driving force behind the Lakers’ offense recently, scoring a combined 92 points over the last couple of games against the Kings and Trail Blazers, effectively carrying the team on his shoulders.
On the other side, the Timberwolves are eager for revenge after squandering a first-half lead in Friday’s loss to the Lakers. Minnesota held a 45-40 lead early in the second quarter but could not maintain their advantage as Doncic took control and shifted the momentum toward LA.
Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle were the standout performers for Minnesota in the previous matchup. Edwards tallied 31 points, four rebounds, and five assists on 11 of 19 shooting, while Randle finished with 26 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, shooting 9 of 16. However, Edwards will miss this upcoming game due to a hamstring injury expected to sideline him for two weeks. This places the burden on Randle to lead the Timberwolves offensively in Edwards’ absence.
—
### Predicted Starting Lineups and Depth Charts for Oct. 29
**LA Lakers Starting Lineup:**
– Backcourt: Austin Reaves, Marcus Smart
– Frontcourt: Jarred Vanderbilt, Rui Hachimura, Deandre Ayton
The Lakers are likely to maintain their recent frontcourt rotation while Austin Reaves and Marcus Smart start in the backcourt.
**Minnesota Timberwolves Starting Lineup:**
– Mike Conley Jr. (filling in for injured Anthony Edwards)
– Donte DiVincenzo
– Jaden McDaniels
– Julius Randle
– Rudy Gobert
The Timberwolves will likely stick with the same lineup that played in Monday’s loss to Denver.
—
### Injury Reports for October 29
**LA Lakers:**
– Out: Luka Doncic (left finger sprain, left leg contusion), LeBron James (sciatica), Gabe Vincent (ankle), Adou Thiero (knee), Maxi Kleber (oblique)
– Questionable: Jaxson Hayes (knee), Marcus Smart (quad)
**Minnesota Timberwolves:**
– Out: Anthony Edwards (hamstring)
– Questionable: Jaylen Clark (calf)
—
This game promises to be an exciting battle as both teams look to adjust on the fly given key injuries on both sides. With Doncic and Edwards sidelined, it will be fascinating to see how Reaves and Randle respond to the added responsibilities. Stay tuned for what should be a competitive matchup between the Lakers and Timberwolves.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/la-lakers-vs-minnesota-timberwolves-predicted-starting-lineups-depth-charts-oct-29-2025-26-nba-season
