Here is what you need to know before the Lakers take on Minnesota in their final home game before the All-Star Break.
1)
This tilt features five of the 20 players selected to the Rising Stars Challenge, but it’s one of the snubs who’s making noise for the Lakers. Julius Randle — who was not chosen despite leading sophomores in rebounds (9.7) and double-doubles (18) — has thrived since rejoining the starting lineup. During that eight-game span, he is averaging 13.0 points and 11.3 boards, while picking up five double-doubles.
2)
Minnesota’s Karl-Anthony Towns is already living up to his billing as this year’s first overall draft pick. He ranks in the NBA’s top 10 in field goal percentage (53.8; fifth), blocks (1.8; ninth) and rebounds (9.9; 10th). Lately, he has simply been dominant, averaging 21.6 points, 12.0 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in his last eight games, while shooting 61.2 percent.
3)
Towns is joined by fellow No. 1 pick Andrew Wiggins, who leads sophomores in scoring (20.4 ppg) and is 10th among all players in made free throws (5.4). However, the top prize of the 2014 draft has struggled in his last two games, shooting just 5-of-29.
4)
The Timberwolves’ third honoree is the reigning Slam Dunk Contest champion, Zach LaVine. The former UCLA Bruin has been burning up lately, averaging 22.3 points on a 63.8 percent clip in his last four contests.
5)
On the other side, Jordan Clarkson will participate in the Rising Stars Challenge after being selected 46th overall in 2014. He is currently on a career-long streak of 18 games with double-figure scoring, in which he is averaging 16.3 points.
6)
The Lakers’ other representative will be D’Angelo Russell. The second overall pick had one of his best games last time the Lakers faced Minnesota, scoring 21 of 23 points in the second half on Dec. 9.
7)
The Lakers are looking to avoid extending their losing streak to a franchise-worst 11 games, while Minnesota is on a slide of its own. The Wolves have lost four in a row, plus 11 straight on the road.
8)
Some of the Timberwolves’ struggles can be traced back to injuries. Kevin Martin (wrist), Kevin Garnett (sore knee) and Nikola Pekovic (sore foot) are all considered doubtful against the Lakers.
9)
However, the Wolves still have Ricky Rubio, who has been playing efficiently despite his unreliable shooting. The Spaniard ranks third in the NBA in steals (2.2), while clocking it at fifth in assists (8.6).
10)
Kobe Bryant will be game-time decision for his final contest against the Timberwolves. The 20-year veteran’s NBA career began against Minnesota on Nov. 3, 1996 when the then 18-year-old went scoreless on one shot in six minutes.
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