The red-hot Los Angeles Lakers (36-21) continue their ascent, extending their winning streak to four with a commanding 111-102 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves (32-28) on February 28.
Los Angeles Lakers Top Performers:
LeBron James 33 PTS | 17 REB | 6 AST | 64.4 FPS
James has been stellar all season but has played out of his mind since the break, consistently delivering a full stat-line in five-straight games. This month, he has recorded his fifth 20+ point game and fourth 30+ point outing while maintaining exceptional efficiency from the field. His rebounding and defensive impact have also been impressive, though his playmaking has seen a decline. He’s been a large part of the team’s success and should continue producing at a high level.
Luka Doncic 21 PTS | 13 REB | 5 AST | 41.1 FPS
Doncic is averaging 21 points while consistently posting double-digit rebounds since the break. He has maintained his elite playmaking and has also stepped up defensively, but his shooting struggles has been an issue since joining the Lakers. In the last two weeks, he has shot 1-for-7 or worse from long-range four times and has also shown some inconsistency from the free-throw line.
Austin Reaves 23 PTS | 11-12 FT | 5 AST | 39.7 FPS
Reaves has been thriving alongside Doncic and James, scoring 20 or more points with at least five assists in four straight games. His efficiency has been outstanding, and he continues to shine on the defensive end.
Jaxson Hayes 10 PTS | 7 REB | 1 BLK | 24.4 FPS
Hayes is a solid pickup for deeper leagues, providing consistent value with his efficient shooting, strong rebounding, and contributions in defensive stats.
Rui Hachimura 5 PTS | 3 REB | 2 AST | 11.6 FPS
Hachimura has been a key part of the rotation and has delivered solid scoring and rebounding performances three times since the break. However, he is likely to miss the next few games after suffering a knee injury today and should open up more opportunities for DFS and Vanderbilt.
Minnesota Timberwolves Top Performers:
Anthony Edwards 18 PTS | 6 REB | 5 AST | 35.7 FPS
Edwards’ rough patch hit a new low today, getting ejected from the game after racking up two technical fouls, which will now cost him a one-game suspension. His struggles have been glaring lately, failing to crack 20 points in his last two outings—a stark contrast to his explosive eight-game scoring streak earlier this month. His outside shooting has been the problem, along with his inconsistency at the line. But he’s managed to remain impactful as a rebounder and playmaker.
Jaden McDaniels 15 PTS | 8 REB | 2 STL | 32.1 FPS
McDaniels has remained a reliable scoring option, averaging 20 points per game since the break. Though he has struggled from the field and shot just 3-for-18 from three, his efficiency at the free-throw line has helped sustain his scoring. His defensive impact has also stayed consistent, but his numbers are likely to dip with the starters returning.
Terrence Shannon Jr. 25 PTS | 5 REB | 2 AST | 31.0 FPS
Shannon has been hot, averaging 21 points in his last two games, and is likely to keep it going tomorrow. However, with the team’s health improving, his playing time and scoring opportunities are expected to be less.
Donte DiVincenzo 9 PTS | 5 REB | 6 AST | 27.0 FPS
DiVincenzo returned after missing 19 games with a sprained toe and wasted no time showcasing his outside shooting and well-rounded game. He’s one of the team’s primary scoring options, but he’s likely in a minutes restriction and should sit out tomorrow’s game.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker 14 PTS | 1 STL | 1 BLK | 23.4 FPS
NAW had a tough night shooting from all areas but made up for it with contributions across multiple categories. He’s likely to continue playing a key offensive role in the next few games, but his production is expected to decline with the starters returning.
Biggest Disappointment of the Game:
Naz Reid 3 PTS | 12 REB | 3 TO
Reid struggled mightily today, shooting just 1-for-10 from the field and 0-for-5 from three after scoring 20+ points in each of his previous five games. While he remained effective on the boards, his defensive impact has declined lately and with the team returning to full strength, he’s expected to shift back to the bench and see a drop in production.
