Fending off a 19-point comeback! Lakers secure opening win, LeBron and Davis combine for 52+21+8, Edwards scores 26+6+4 turnovers

The 2024-25 NBA season begins, with the Celtics launching 29 threes to dominate the Knicks in the inaugural opener. In the Western Conference, the first game showcased the Lakers and Timberwolves, with the Lakers playing at home.

During the offseason, both teams made major changes. The Lakers' roster shifts were not extensive; the most eye-catching moves were the arrival of a few rookies, Bronny and Knecht. Bronny was selected 25th in the second round, while Knecht was picked 17th in the first round. Based on their preseason performances, both have lived up to their draft positions. Knecht is expected to become a key rotation player for the Lakers, while Bronny is likely to develop in the G League. The most crucial change was JJ Redick replacing Darvin Ham as head coach. Despite initial skepticism, Redick is gradually altering external perceptions with his approach.

The Timberwolves underwent substantial roster changes. Although they finished third in the West last season, team management clearly aspired for more. Before the season started, they traded Karl-Anthony Towns for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo, directly altering both the starting lineup and rotation. Randle will join the starting unit, while DiVincenzo will become a vital force off the bench.

The first quarter began, with both teams clearly in an adjustment phase. Lakers players were familiarizing themselves with Redick's tactical system and demands, while Timberwolves players needed to build new chemistry. From their performances, Redick has introduced new requirements for Anthony Davis' usage—more defensive help and spacing on offense. The Lakers ranked second-to-last in rebounds last season, a point Redick evidently noted. In the first quarter, the Lakers sought their shooting touch from outside, hitting only 2 of 11 attempts, while interior offense was stifled by four-time DPOY Rudy Gobert. The Timberwolves' cohesion was noticeably weaker than last season; Randle, having played only one preseason game, was not synced with his teammates. Scoring was low for both sides, with the Lakers trailing 22-23 by one point.

The second quarter saw a dramatic shift; the Timberwolves lost their way, with poor shooting spreading. The Lakers grew increasingly fierce, frequently executing fast breaks. Rookie Knecht, after entering the game, showed great energy. Even without LeBron on the court, the whole team charged with intense vigor on both offense and defense. After the lead stretched to 19 points, a historic moment arrived: LeBron and Bronny appeared together as substitutes, prompting cheers from the entire arena as fans captured the moment on their phones! LeBron immediately attempted a three-pointer but missed. At halftime, the Lakers led 55-42 by 13 points.

After switching sides, both teams maintained high defensive intensity. The Timberwolves' offense remained disjointed; Edwards and Randle clearly lacked chemistry, often resorting to isolation plays. The Lakers' offense also lost the fluidity of the second quarter, creating few outside shooting opportunities and struggling with their touch. Davis' interior post-ups faced tight defense from Gobert. Both teams scored only 8 and 9 points respectively in the first half of the quarter. However, in the latter half, both teams' shooting improved, engaging in a physical battle inside. By the end of the third quarter, the Lakers led 82-74 by 8 points.

In the fourth quarter, Naz Reid drew fouls and made two free throws, keeping the Timberwolves pushing to close the gap. At crucial moments, LeBron stepped up, repeatedly driving inside to create scoring chances. But two fists couldn't match four hands; Gobert and Reid combined for 5 points, forcing a Lakers timeout. The timeout proved effective; upon returning, the Lakers unleashed a 6-0 run to extend the lead back to double digits, also prompting a Timberwolves timeout. Thereafter, the Lakers firmly maintained their advantage to clinch the opening victory, with the final score at 110-103.

In this game, Davis unleashed full force, recording 36 points, 16 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 3 blocks—a highly comprehensive performance! LeBron contributed 16 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists; Rui Hachimura added 18 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 1 block; Austin Reaves posted 12 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 1 block. Bronny played less than 3 minutes, securing 1 rebound.

For the Timberwolves, Edwards scored 27 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 turnovers; Randle had 14 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists; Gobert recorded 13 points, 14 rebounds, 2 assists.