The Lakers didn’t make things easy for themselves against the Wolves. They led by 20 points in this game, but a fourth-quarter collapse had them down by one with 10.2 seconds to go.
A loss would’ve been particularly devastating since both Austin Reaves and Jake LaRavia were having incredible games. However, Reaves saved the day scoring on the Lakers’ final possesion to win 116-115.
Somehow, despite LeBron James being out and Luka Dončić missing all but one game, the Lakers find themselves 3-2 on the season.
So, let’s dive into the win. As always, grades are based on expectations for each player. A “B” grade represents the average performance for that player.
Austin Reaves
40 minutes, 28 points, 1 rebound, 16 assists, 2 steals, 3 turnovers, 1 foul, 9-24 FG, 3-11 3PT, 7-7 FT, -1
Reaves, take a bow!
He saved the day with his game-winning basket, had a career-high 18 assists and also led the team in scoring with 28 points.
The Lakers don’t win this game without Reaves, and he was at his best when the Lakers needed him to be. He truly is him.
Grade: A+
Rui Hachimura
37 minutes, 17 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 turnovers, 4 fouls, 7-14 FG, 1-4 3PT, 2-2 FT, -7
This was a respectable game for Hachimura. He was better on the glass, shot 50% from the field and had an all-around good game.
LaRavia and Reaves overshadowed his play, but this is precisely what you want from him.
Grade: A-
Deandre Ayton
35 minutes, 17 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 2 turnovers, 3 fouls, 8-11 FG, 1-2 FT, 0
It seems Ayton is becoming more comfortable on this team with each passing game. Scoring 17 points and grabbing 10 rebounds is exactly what the Lakers need him to do.
He’s been the defensive anchor, making smart decisions with the ball and screening hard for his teammates even when the play isn’t designed for him.
Ayton is working very well with Reaves while Luka and LeBron are out, and he’s a big reason why the Lakers have won three of their first five games this season.
Grade: A
Jake LaRavia
37 minutes, 27 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 3 turnovers, 5 fouls, 10-11 FG, 5-6 3PT, 2-5 FT, +3
This will probably be the best game LaRavia has during the regular season. He was near-perfect shooting-wise, going 10-11 from the field. His 17 points in the third quarter gave the Lakers control of this game.
He was performing so well that the Minnesota fans began asking very loudly who he was.
After this performance, Wolves fans certainly won’t be forgetting who No. 12 on the Lakers is anytime soon
Grade: A+
Jarred Vanderbilt
26 minutes, 3 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 4 turnovers, 4 fouls, 1-3 FG, 0-1 3PT, 1-2 FT, +4
Vando is still doing all the dirty work, but can he bring some offense to his game? He only took three shots, and the misses were some loud-sounding bricks.
Still, the rebounding was excellent, and his defense was elite as always. Perhaps it’s time to admit he’s a defensive specialist who will always be invisible on the other side of the floor.
Grade: B+
Dalton Knecht
36 minutes, 15 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 steal, 2 blocks, 7-12 FG, 1-5 3PT, -1 FT, -1
Knecht is back.
He had a good game against the Blazers, and his encore on Wednesday against the Wolves was even better. He scored 15 points and was in complete control, committing no turnovers or fouls.
Knecht looked so much more comfortable out there. That confidence led to him attacking the paint and being more aggressive. Hopefully, he can keep on stacking quality showings for the Lakers.
Grade: A-
Jaxson Hayes
13 minutes, 2 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 1 turnover, 4 fouls, 1-2 FG, +1
Hayes made his return to the lineup on Wednesday, and he was a bit rough. The frontcourt size the Wolves have neutralized Hayes and looked a lot like last year’s playoff series against Minnesota. He just couldn’t do much against the Wolves.
He’s coming back from missing a few games, so maybe rust is involved, but this wasn’t anywhere near the best he can play.
Grade: C
Nick Smith Jr.
10 minutes, 7 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 turnover, 1 foul, 2-6 FG, 1-4 3PT, 2-3 FT, +1
This was the best game Smith Jr. has had in a Lakers uniform. He was controlled on offense and took shots only when it made sense. During preseason games, the two-way guard played way too much hero ball, taking over possessions but usually missing his shots.
On Wednesday night, he was much better and gave the Lakers some much-needed bench scoring.
Grade: B+
Bronny James
Bronny only played for five minutes, so he will not be getting a grade.
JJ Redick
Redick is finding ways to win games despite missing his two biggest stars. His belief in Knecht has been rewarded with back-to-back double-digit scoring nights. He picked Smith Jr. over Bronny, and that worked out. Redick trusted Reaves to get the win, and he got the job done.
As a head coach, he is doing everything you could ask for and more.
Grade: A+
Wednesday’s DNPs: Chris Mañon
Wednesday’s inactives: LeBron James, Luka Dončić, Maxi Kleber, Adou Thiero, Marcus Smart, Gabe Vincent
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.
