Timberwolves blow out Lakers 109-80 behind Randle, Gobert and tough defense

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Julius Randle scored 18 points, and Rudy Gobert added 17 points and 12 rebounds, leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to a dominant 109-80 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night.

Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker each contributed 15 points for the Timberwolves (10-10), who held the Lakers to their lowest point total since a 122-73 loss to Dallas in 2017, according to Sportradar.

Anthony Edwards struggled with just eight points on 3-for-13 shooting for Minnesota, but his Olympic teammates, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, also had quiet nights for Los Angeles (12-9). James, who has missed 19 consecutive three-pointers, scored 10 points on 4-for-16 shooting, while Davis posted 12 points and 11 rebounds. D’Angelo Russell made a strong return from illness, scoring 20 points and reclaiming his spot in the starting lineup.

The Lakers, coming off a narrow 105-104 win over Utah on Sunday, traveled east to face the Timberwolves, a team they defeated 110-103 in their season opener behind 36 points and 16 rebounds from Davis.

Next, the Lakers will play the Miami Heat on Wednesday, while the Timberwolves will visit the Los Angeles Clippers.