LA Lakers vs Minnesota Timberwolves predicted starting lineups and depth chart for Dec. 2| 2024-25 NBA season

The LA Lakers finish the second night of a back-to-back set with a rematch against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Los Angeles, which won 110-103 in the season opener, looks to go up 2-0 in the head-to-head duel despite coming off a short rest. Austin Reaves (pelvic) and D’Angelo Russell (illness) are with the team, but their status is uncertain.

Meanwhile, the Timberwolves will hope to get their revenge against the Lakers and stay on the winning track. Minnesota, which snapped a four-game losing streak on Friday with a 93-92 win over the LA Clippers, will try to nail back-to-back wins against both LA teams.

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LA Lakers vs Minnesota Timberwolves: Injury Report

LA Lakers injury report

Christian Wood (knee), Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) and Jaxson Hayes (ankle) are ruled out for the Monday game against the Timberwolves. D’Angelo Russell (illness), Cam Reddish (illness) and Austin Reaves (pelvic) are questionable.

LA’s injury report will come out hours before tip-off, so the status of a few players could change heading into the game.

Minnesota Timberwolves injury report

Joe Ingles will not suit up for the Timberwolves due to a left soleus strain.

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LA Lakers vs Minnesota Timberwolves: Starting lineups and depth charts

LA Lakers starting lineup and depth chart

Starters	2nd
Gabe Vincent	Jalen Hood-Schifino
Dalton Knecht	Max Christie
LeBron James	Maxwell Lewis
Rui Hachimura	Armel Traore
Anthony Davis	Christian Koloko

Minnesota Timberwolves starting lineup and depth chart

Starters	2nd	3rd
Mike Conley	Nickeil Alexander-Walker	Rob Dillingham
Anthony Edwards	Donte DiVincenzo	Terrence Shannon Jr.
Jaden McDaniels	Josh Minott
Julius Randle
Rudy Gobert	Naz Reid	Luka Garza

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LA Lakers vs Minnesota Timberwolves: Key matchups

Anthony Davis vs Rudy Gobert

Anthony Davis showed why he might be a legitimate MVP contender this season with an impressive season-opening game against Rudy Gobert. AD lit up the reigning Defensive Player of the Year for 36 points on 11-for-23 shooting. Davis added 16 rebounds, four assists and three blocks.

The LA Lakers will need Davis to be at his best against the Frenchman in the rematch, particularly if Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell are out. If Gobert can limit Davis’ dominance, the Minnesota Timberwolves improve their chances of tying the season series.

LeBron James vs Julius Randle

LeBron James against Julius Randle is another matchup that will interest basketball fans. Jaden McDaniels likely gets the primary to guard the four-time MVP but the Lakers would want to switch Randle or any of Minnesota's perimeter players on him.

James has been playing well even when taking on much younger players, but the Lakers will be playing the second night of a back-to-back set.

Randle had 16 points, nine rebounds and four assists in his debut for his new team in October. Minnesota needs him to do even better to keep the Timberwolves on the winning track. Don Julio should also do his part on defense to help his team.

Anthony Edwards vs whoever the Lakers put on him

If Cam Reddish remains out, the Lakers need somebody to step up defensively to guard Anthony Edwards. JJ Redick wouldn’t want to ask LeBron James to fight through screens to chase Anthony Edwards. Rui Hachimura could spend time on Ant-Man.

Whoever Redick asks to guard the explosive All-Star has to hold up defensively. The Timberwolves are always tough to beat when Edwards gets going.