*Forgot to save changes in the master file, hence why I couldn't change the records. But as it stands, Minnesota improves to 24-24 while Lakers fall to 25-24.*
Welcome in to the full recap of the Lakers' matchup vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves where not even the return of Rajon Rondo wasn't enough to prevent the Lakers from being pummeled as the Timberwolves win in a 120-105 rout.
And the going gets tougher. These last few meetings against the T'Wolves, with the exception of that one win since the acquisition of Chandler, they just continually open up a can of whoop ass on the Lakers. Tonight was pretty competitive for the first three quarters. Then the fourth quarter, the Lakers just gassed out and things just went completely out of hand from flagrant fouls to technical fouls to getting beat in the paint. Clearly, there's a lot of problems with this team once the 4th quarter hits.
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Rajon Rondo, 15 points, 6 rebounds, 13 assists, 6-11 shooting. He hasn't missed a beat after being sidelined for a month. When Rondo's on the floor, it takes away a lot of pressure from a lot players on this Lakers roster to be the playmaker and make a play for teammates. Rondo's function is exactly and he's not afraid to shoot too unlike in years past. Offensively, Rondo looked sharp tonight. And the funny thing is, his index finger is not even close to 100%, that's why he had to adjust and take as minimal contact as he can. Overall, he looked real good out there tonight.
Brandon Ingram, 20 points, 8-14 shooting. B.I. recovered from a really slow start this game. At least with Rondo on board, he doesn't have to be pressured to assume point guard duties and set up. Tonight, he was back to being aggressive, making a play for himself, and get to his sweet spots where he can put the ball in the net.
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34 points off turnovers. 32 second chance pts. Thank you Chris Webber for that stat line as it goes to shows that the Lakers just got bullied inside. Ivica Zubac and JaVale McGee obviously cannot hold KAT much longer inside the paint. But, the Timberwolves got a huge spark off Andrew Wiggins as he spent the majority of this game in attack mode. Honestly, Wiggins' biggest problems since he entered the league was consistency and his lack of assertiveness. Tonight, he showed as a capable 2nd option next to KAT. Lakers got outrebounded off the offensive glass 22-9. Not to mention they comitted 7 more turnovers than Minnesota and the Timberwolves dictated the pace on their accord on that one.
Kyle Kuzma, 10 points, 4-12 shooting. Here we go with one of those funk series from Kuz. This was also a problem last year. After putting together a string of high scoring outputs, he just goes on a trail where he doesn't contribute as much as he should. Tonight, nothing from beyond the arc again. Most of his hook shots were too strong and hitting nothing but rim. We definitely to see KuzMania run wild again.
MVP
Great to have him back tonight. The Laker offense just flowed much better and everybody didn't have to work as much to get their shot as Rondo creates a lot of opportunity for them. Outside of LeBron and Lonzo to form a "Cerberus" of playmakers, Rondo is just as valuable.
Conclusion
The more the Lakers continue to lose, the more I have to quote Jim Mora. "Playoffs? Don't talk about Playoffs! I just hope we win a game." Because right now the Lakers aren't in a hole, they're in a ditch. This team has been in a downward spiral since LeBron went down with the injury. All I hear is "wait until LeBron comes back." I think the Lakers are way too dependent on 'Bron to go MVP-mode and save them from sinking. Players have to step up, find their rhythm, and play like he's not coming back. And I know the young core is capable of doing more than that with the savvy veterans surrounding them. The Lakers get a winnable game coming up against Phoenix. And then after, with the exception of a home game against Philly, it's a long road trip away from home with a tough schedule up. There needs to be a sense of urgency with this team. For some trivia, the Lakers have only won one game this season when I hosts some open threads (X-Mas vs. Warriors). I'll be on sabbattical yet again and usually, that's when they string together some wins. Let's see if I can work the Juju. But honestly, to the Lakers' young core, LeBron is a stop gap player for the franchise, but you guys are the future. Own it now. I'll see you guys later.
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