News

Score, analysis from NBA opener

Published

1 month ago

October 24, 2024

The Los Angeles Lakers kicked off the 2024-25 NBA season with a win.

The Lakers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 110-103 of their season opener at Crypto.com Area in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

The Timberwolves had no reply for Anthony Davis, who received it performed on either side of the ground. Davis completed the competition with 36 factors, 16 rebounds, 4 assists, three blocks and one steal within the win. Rui Hachimura added 18 factors and 5 rebounds, whereas LeBron James completed with 16 factors, 5 rebounds and 4 assists.

It marked not solely the common season debut of head coach JJ Redick, however the debut of rookie Bronny James, who briefly checked in for 3 minutes within the second quarter. Bronny James made historical past alongside his father —they’re the primary father-son duo to play in the identical NBA recreation.

“It’s all the time been household over the whole lot. I misplaced a variety of time due to this league … so to have the ability to have this second the place I’m working alongside my son is among the biggest items I’ve received from the person above,” LeBron James mentioned after the sport. “I’m tremendous happy with him. He’s my lifeline for certain.”

Timberwolves vs. Lakers highlights

Remaining rating: Lakers 110, Timberwolves 103

Lakers reply after Timberwolves shut hole

The Timberwolves got here inside 4 factors of the Lakers, 85-81, with 10:38 remaining within the contest. The Lakers responded with a 6-0 run to increase their lead again to double digits, 91-81, with 8:36 left. The run was capped off by an alley-oop dunk for Jaxson Hayes, who blocked Mike Conley’s 3-point try on the opposite finish of the ground. Hayes has given the Lakers impactful minutes off the bench and has scored 10 factors, pulled down 4 rebounds and recorded one block in 14 minutes of play.

Finish of third quarter: Lakers 82, Timberwolves 74

The Timberwolves have turned the ball over 15 occasions via the primary three quarters, yielding 17 factors to the Lakers. But Minnesota is simply down eight factors heading into the fourth quarter.

The Lakers have been the extra bodily staff and have dominated the paint, 54-28. Los Angeles additionally has 14 offensive rebounds in comparison with Minnesota’s eight.

Anthony Edwards leads the T’Wolves with 19 factors and 5 rebounds, whereas Anthony Davis has a team-high 25 factors for the Lakers.

Anthony Davis has a double-double

Anthony Davis is taking up the Lakers’ season opener. The middle has a double-double with 22 factors and 10 rebounds, along with three assists, one steal and one block with 2:30 remaining within the third quarter.

Watch: Anthony Davis denies Rudy Gobert at rim

Anthony Davis denied Rudy Gobert in epic style. With the Lakers main 64-50 with 7:08 remaining within the third quarter, Davis swatted a dunk try from Gobert, the reigning defensive participant of the yr.

Halftime: Lakers 55, Timberwolves 42

The Lakers have a 55-42 lead over the Timberwolves at halftime after main by as many as 19 factors within the first half. Each groups are taking pictures about 41% from the sector, however the Lakers have had 14 further shot makes an attempt within the recreation due primarily to the Timberwolves’ double-digit turnovers (11).

The Lakers have 10 offensive rebounds, in comparison with the Timberwolves’ 5, and have outscored Minnesota 36-18 within the paint.

Anthony Edwards is the one Timberwolves participant in double figures with 14 factors (5-of-11 FG, 3-of-7 3PT) and three rebounds. Julius Randle has 5 factors in his Minnesota debut.

Anthony Davis leads the Lakers with 12 factors, whereas Rui Hachimura has 11 and LeBron James has eight. Bronny James was held scoreless in three minutes of play within the first half.

LeBron James slams down dunk

Welcome to 12 months 22. LeBron James confirmed that he is nonetheless received it as he slammed down a dunk off a bounce go from Austin Reaves to lengthen the Lakers’ lead over the Timberwolves to 53-39 with 2:14 remaining within the second quarter. James turns 40 in December.

The scene in LA as Bronny James makes NBA debut

LOS ANGELES — Bronny will get the ball close to the 3-point line and the group sounds dissatisfied as he provides it up relatively than launching a shot.

Lakers timeout. That stretch with LeBron and Bronny lasted 1:36.

Bronny credited with a tipped shot — blocked by Rudy Gobert — and an offensive rebound.

Extra to come back. Following a Lakers timeout, right here come father and son for extra.

“Ohhhhhhh” — Crowd’s response when Bronny misses an open 3 with about 1:40 left within the quarter.

And Bronny exits. He went 0-for-2 from the sector in his 3 minutes.

Bronny James makes debut, takes courtroom with father LeBron

LeBron James and his son Bronny James have made historical past.

Bronny made his NBA debut within the Lakers’ season-opener in opposition to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday, checking in alongside his dad with 4:00 remaining within the second quarter with the Lakers up 51-37. LeBron and Bronny are the primary father and son to play in the identical recreation in NBA Historical past.

Rookie Dalton Knecht impressing in debut

Dalton Knecht’s debut has gotten off to a fantastic begin. Knecht, the seventeenth choose within the 2024 draft, gave the Lakers some good minutes off the bench. He knocked down a 3-point shot to increase the Lakers’ result in 10, 37-27 and spurred a 14-5 run. Knecht is up 5 factors, one rebound and one help in 10 minutes of play.

LeBron James hits the bench

LOS ANGELES — LeBron exits the sport and takes a seat subsequent to Bronny on the finish of the bench.

If they can not share the courtroom, at the least they’ll share the bench.

Lakers have 7-point lead in second quarter

The Lakers went on a 10-1 run to take their largest lead of the sport, 34-27.

The Lakers have dominated the Timberwolves within the paint, outscoring them 22-10. Offensive rebounds have additionally been an element. The Lakers have snagged eight offensive rebounds and have put up 14 further shot makes an attempt than the Timberwolves, who’ve 4 offensive rebounds.

LeBron and Bronny James: Finest photographs

Finish of first quarter: Timberwolves 23, Lakers 22

The Lakers led by as many as six factors within the first quarter, earlier than the T’Wolves closed the quarter on an 11-4 run to take their first lead of the sport, 23-22. The Lakers have missed their final 5 discipline purpose makes an attempt.

Anthony Edwards leads Minnesota with eight factors, whereas Jaden McDaniels has 4 factors. The Timberwolves are taking pictures 44.4% from the sector and 1-of-4 from 3.

Anthony Davis has a team-high six factors, whereas LeBron James has 4 factors. Collectively, the Lakers are taking pictures 30.8% from the sector and 2-of-11 from 3.

‘We wish Bronny!’ chant get away

LOS ANGELES — As Anthony Davis will get able to shoot a second free throw with about two minutes left within the first quarter, a number of followers start to chant. “We wish Bronny! We wish Bronny!”

No luck thus far, Lakers followers.

Gabe Vincent, Max Christie and Jaxson Hayes have been the primary three off the bench for the Lakers.

Rudy Gobert agrees to contract extension with Timberwolves

Simply earlier than the Minnesota Timberwolves opened the season in opposition to the Los Angeles Lakers Tuesday, they reached a three-year, $110 million extension with middle Rudy Gobert, an individual with information of the deal confirmed to USA TODAY Sports activities.

The particular person spoke on the situation of anonymity as a result of the extension is just not but official.

Gobert, the four-time Defensive Participant of the 12 months, is now below contract with Minnesota via 2027-28 for a complete of $153.8 million.

As soon as the Timberwolves traded Karl-Anthony Cities to the New York Knicks for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo, locking up Gobert past this season turned a necessity for a staff attempting to win the Western Convention. Minnesota reached the convention finals final season however misplaced to Dallas. — Jeff Zillgitt

LeBron James slams down dunk

The Lakers have an 11-7 lead over the Timberwolves with 6:44 remaining within the first quarter. Minnesota has turned the ball over 3 times within the first 5 minutes of the competition, which has led to 4 factors for the Lakers. In a single sequence, Anthony Davis stole the ball from Mike Conley with 8:39 remaining within the quarter, resulting in a slam dunk from LeBron James in transition.

Ken Griffey Jr. and pa share second with LeBron, Bronny

What do the Jameses and Griffeys have in widespread? They’re among the many father-son duos to play in the identical recreation collectively.

Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. first did so on Aug. 31, 1990, after they turned the primary father-son duo to play in the identical MLB recreation. LeBron James and Bronny James wish to do the identical on the basketball courtroom on Tuesday when the Lakers tip off their season in opposition to the Timberwolves.

The quartet shared a second on the courtroom collectively forward of the Lakers’ season opener and took a photograph to commemorate the second.

When is the Timberwolves vs. Lakers recreation?

Tip-off for the opening evening recreation between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers is Tuesday, Oct. 22, at 10:00 p.m. ET from Crypto.com Area in Los Angeles, California.

The place is Timberwolves vs. Lakers recreation?

The Lakers will host the Timberwolves in downtown Los Angeles at Crypto.com Area.

The best way to watch Timberwolves vs. Lakers recreation

The Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers matchup will likely be broadcast on TNT because the second recreation in an NBA back-to-back presentation. You can even stream on Sling.

Watch the NBA on TNT with a Sling subscription

NBA video games in the present day: Opening evening schedule

Listed here are the tip-off occasions and TV data for the opening evening double-header:

All occasions are Jap

Lakers beginning 5 tonight

Austin Reaves
D’Angelo Russell
Rui Hachimura
LeBron James
Anthony Davis

Timberwolves beginning 5

Anthony Edwards
Mike Conley
Julius Randle
Jaden McDaniels
Rudy Gobert

Is Bronny James taking part in tonight?

The Lakers and Timberwolves are a star-studded conflict of titans. Nonetheless, a rookie will steal a lot of the highlight on Tuesday. LeBron’s son, Bronny, will likely be on the roster to open season play, but it surely stays to be seen if he’ll contact the courtroom.

James Williams breaks down what we all know thus far about James and provides us his preseason stats.

Bronny James preseason stats

James appeared in all six of the Lakers’ preseason video games, averaging 4.1 factors and 1.6 rebounds in 16.2 minutes per recreation. Within the Lakers’ closing preseason recreation, a 74-132 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Friday, James recorded 17 factors, 4 rebounds, three steals and one block in a career-high 35 minutes of labor.

LeBron James hazes rookie Bronny James

Bronny James may need a well-known father, however he’s nonetheless getting rookie therapy. From his personal father!

Effectively, as scripted by Nike, at the least. The footwear and attire firm launched a spot that includes LeBron and Bronny on the day of the Lakers opener — and LeBron was as much as mischief.

Let’s hope Bronny had dependable transportation Tuesday when he left for the Lakers’ season opener. — Josh Peter

What’s on JJ Redick’s thoughts on huge evening

LeBron and Bronny James will get prime billing. However the recreation will likely be Redick’s teaching debut – and his first time teaching within the Lakers’ Crypto.com Area. (The staff’s preseason video games had been held elsewhere.)

So how was he feeling about two hours earlier than tipoff?

“I simply ordered a stir fry again within the locker room,’’ Redick mentioned with a smile. “Not going to lie. I am fairly enthusiastic about that proper now simply to get some meals.

“However I believe no matter I envisioned in my earlier life, that is gone. That is who I’m now. I am a coach and so I do not really feel like tonight is in any respect about me. It is about our staff and it is about our teaching workers and our group and what we have performed thus far when it comes to our work and our preparation.’’

LeBron James affected person about making historical past with Bronny

LeBron James urged he’s in no rush to share the courtroom with son Bronny.

“Each time it occurs, it can occur,” he mentioned Tuesday after shootaround, in accordance with ESPN. “If it is tonight or if it is down the road, every time it occurs, it can occur. However it’s been a deal with, and simply in preseason, the practices, simply every single day … simply bringing him up to the mark of what this skilled life is all about and how one can put together every single day as knowledgeable.”

Bronny performed in all six of the Lakers’ preseason video games.

Ken Griffey Jr and Ken Griffey Sr will likely be at Lakers recreation

When LeBron James and Bronny James take the courtroom for the primary time as members of the Los Angeles Lakers, it is going to be a second like no different in NBA historical past. That is why former MLB stars Ken Griffey Jr. and Ken Sr., the primary father-son duo to play in the identical Main League Baseball recreation, will likely be readily available Tuesday evening because the Lakers open the 2024-25 common season at residence in opposition to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

“First father and son to play baseball, now first father and son to play basketball, so it is a huge deal for my dad and I to be there,” Griffey Jr. mentioned on MLB Community Radio earlier this week. “We made historical past, now we get to look at historical past.”

Bronny James described the Griffeys being in attendance as “insane.” He added, “I imply, solely two households to do it, so it’s going to be a loopy expertise, particularly (with) what they’ve performed.”

Learn extra from Steve Gardner.

Contained in the NBA enters closing season

Tuesday is the final first recreation of the season for TNT’s well-liked and award-winning “Contained in the NBA” program and crew. Ernie Johnson. Charles Barkley. Kenny Smith. Shaquille O’Neal. A collective nationwide treasure, if sports activities reveals may be thought-about nationwide treasures.

Learn Jeff Zillgitt’s full column on how they’ve woven their means into the colourful cloth of the NBA via the tv display – a wonderfully imperfect mix of basketball, severe debate, humor, leisure and life.

LeBron James getting into twenty second season

LeBron James is on the point of embark on his twenty second season, tying Vince Carter for probably the most seasons performed in NBA historical past. James is certainly one of solely six gamers which have performed greater than 20 seasons — Carter (22), Dirk Nowitzki (21), Kevin Garnett (21), Kevin Willis, (21) and Robert Parish (21).

Timberwolves vs Lakers all-time report

The Timberwolves and Lakers have performed 129 occasions through the common season of their histories, with Los Angeles getting the higher of the head-to-head matchup, 85-44. The 2 have met twice within the playoffs, in 2003 and 2004. The Lakers took each collection, 4-2.

NBA season predictions

The specialists at USA TODAY Community supply predictions for the season forward, together with which staff will elevate the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy.

Jeff Zillgitt: Celtics over Thunder
Scooby Axson: Celtics over Timberwolves
Lorenzo Reyes: Nuggets over Knicks
Damichael Cole: Thunder over Celtics
Dustin Dopirak: Celtics over Nuggets
Jim Owczarski: Thunder over Celtics
Duane Rankin: Celtics over Timberwolves
Heather Tucker: Celtics over Suns

NBA MVP candidates

Who is that this yr’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the following participant to maneuver deep into the NBA MVP dialog? Jeff Zillgitt breaks down the highest candidates.

NBA energy rankings

Right here is each staff within the NBA ranked based mostly on their championship odds heading into the 2024-25 common season. All odds through BetMGM.

Boston Celtics (+325)
Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder (+500)
New York Knicks (+650)
Philadelphia 76ers (+1000)
Denver Nuggets (+1100)
Dallas Mavericks (+1200)
Minnesota Timberwolves (+1200)
Milwaukee Bucks (+1400)
Phoenix Solar (+2000)
Cleveland Cavaliers (+3500)
Memphis Grizzlies (+3500)

Bronny James well being: What we learn about rookie’s situation

Again on July 24, 2023, James suffered cardiac arrest throughout a USC offseason exercise. Bronny has since spoken out in regards to the incident and the conditioning that adopted.

Mark Giannotto has the newest on the rookie’s journey again to the courtroom.

We often advocate fascinating services and products. If you happen to make a purchase order by clicking one of many hyperlinks, we could earn an affiliate price. USA TODAY Community newsrooms function independently, and this doesn’t affect our protection.