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The Los Angeles Lakers were looking to get their first win of the season. In order to do so, they would have to face the team that sent them home early in the playoffs last year in the Minnesota Timberwolves.  Although the Wolves were physical and appeared to put the clamps on the Lakers early in the contest, Luca would not be denied as he led the Lakers to a 128-110 victory.

The Lakers (0-1) got off to another lackluster start and the Wolves (1-0) capitalized, gaining an early lead on Friday night.  But Luca fought to keep the Lakers in the contest, scoring 23 points in the first quarter, joining the likes of Lou Williams, Kyle Kuzma and Kobe Bryant as the only Lakers to score 23 points in a quarter.   The former Dallas Maveric would finish the game with 49 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists.  

Austin Reaves is showing signs of getting back into last season’s form, adding 25 points and shooting 5-5 from the charity stripe.  Rui Hachimura also showed up offensively for the Lakers, quietly scoring 23 points, shooting 10-13 from the field, including 2-4 from long range. 

Anthony Edwards gave another stellar performance, scoring 31 points and shooting 11-13 from the field.   Julius Randle bullied the Lakers frontcourt defenders, scoring 26 points going 56 percent from the field and Donte DiVincenzo frustrated the Lakers defense at times, scoring 13 points.

The Lakers bench was woefully outscored 28-11 but it was the defensive effort of Marcus Smart and Jarred Vanderbilt that seemed to help catapult the Lakers intensity on both sides of the floor. 

The Timberwolves appeared to be in control from early on in the game, causing turnovers for the Lakers offense and having them look unprepared at times.  The Lakers had to truly rely on scoring from Luca and Reaves in the first half to end the first half with a 68-63 lead.   Then, the Lakers flipped the switch on their intensity in the second half, securing defensive rebounds off of the Wolves missed shots and attacking the basket, making the Wolves defense play on their heels.  And while this was a very impressive showing from the crew in forum blue and gold, you have to wonder if this recipe of Luca having to score close to 50 points a night and hoping the Lakers play with the same intensity will prove successful while LeBron James sits on the sidelines.  We will find out soon.   

The Lakers will travel to Sacramento where they will face the Kings on Sunday night.