LeBron James vs Julius Randle: Head-to-head battle, key stats and more ahead of pivotal Game 3 | 2025 NBA Playoffs

Following their blockbuster trade at the deadline, LeBron James and the LA Lakers begin their playoff journey against the Minnesota Timberwolves. After going through a roster shake-up in the offseason, they find themselves with a physical forward to throw on the 21-time All-Star.

Coming off a conference finals run, the Timberwolves traded Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks. They landed a former All-Star in return in Julius Randle.

Through the first two games in this series, Randle has found himself tasked with the defensive assignment of LeBron James. While he isn't known for being a two-way star, the veteran forward is holding his own on the 21-time All-Star.

Lakers vs Timberwolves has been one of many competitive series in the first round of the playoffs, with each team securing a win. Ahead of a pivotal Game 3, here is a deeper dive into the forward battle.

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LeBron James vs Julius Randle head-to-head stats in 2025 NBA playoffs

The Timberwolves have thrown multiple defenders at LeBron James, but Randle has been the primary option. This has been a smart move by Chris Finch, as it's yielded positive results.

Through the first two games, Randle has done a fine job limiting LeBron offensively. In the Timberwolves' Game 1 win, he held the Lakers' star to just four points and one assist on 2-for-7 shooting from the field and 0-for-4 shooting from beyond the arc.

LeBron had a little more success on Randle in Game 2, but still struggled to get going. He notched seven points and three assists while shooting 2-for-5.

In a rare turn of events, LeBron James finds himself guarding his primary defender on the other end of the floor. However, Randle has been able to exploit this matchup when given the chance.

Randle got everything he wanted against LeBron in Game 1, scoring 11 points while converting four of his five field goal attempts. He was equally efficient in Game 2 (2-for-3 FG, 1-for-1 3P), but only notched seven points.

When it comes to this matchup, the Lakers have some adjustments to make. As a bigger forward who moves well, Randle has the physical attributes to slow down LeBron. If they want any chance of getting him going offensively, JJ Redick has to implement systems to get him more separation or switches.

Meanwhile, the Timberwolves need to keep attacking this matchup. Given Randle's early success, they should give him more opportunities to go at LeBron to see if it can swing the series in their favor.