When Austin Reaves stepped to the free-throw line with 1.2 seconds left, the Los Angeles Lakers were down by one. No one expected the game-winner — not after blowing a 20-point lead, not with only eight players available, and certainly not with LeBron James still sidelined. But Reaves, battered and exhausted, hit the shot anyway. The buzzer sounded. The Target Center fell silent. The Lakers won 116-115. It wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t supposed to happen. But here they were — winners, barely, against a hungry Minnesota Timberwolves team that refused to quit.
Injury Crisis Forces Lakers Into Survival Mode
On October 29, 2025, the Lakers entered Target Center with the fewest available players in the NBA. Eight. That’s it. No LeBron James (right sciatica), no Marcus Smart (right quad contusion), no Luka Doncic (left finger sprain, leg contusion), no Gabe Vincent, no Maxi Kleber, and rookie Adou Thiero still recovering from knee surgery. Even their backup center, Jaxson Hayes, had been out for three games with left patellar tendinopathy. "We’re up to eight guys," head coach JJ Redick said before tip-off. "That’s all we’ve got. And we’re playing like it matters."
Hayes’ return was the only bright spot in a grim injury report. His presence allowed Deandre Ayton to rest without forcing the Lakers into a death spiral of small-ball lineups. "Hayes brings energy, finish, and size," said Lakers Nation. "Against a team like Minnesota, who loves to attack the rim, you need someone who can protect the paint. He’s not a star, but he’s exactly what we needed."
Reaves Carries the Load — Again
With Smart out, Reaves became the de facto point guard, playmaker, and closer — all in one. He had already dropped 51 on Sacramento and 41 on Portland in the previous two games. But this was different. The Timberwolves knew. They assigned Jayden McDaniels, their best perimeter defender, to hound him every second. "They were fully aware," Redick admitted. "They threw everything at him. And he still made plays."
Reaves finished with 34 points, 12 assists, and 5 rebounds — but it was his poise in the final 90 seconds that defined the game. After Minnesota tied it at 114 on a driving layup by Anthony Edwards (who was himself out with a right hamstring strain), the Lakers called timeout. Reaves inbounded the ball to Ayton, who drew two defenders and kicked it back. Reaves caught it at the top of the key, took one dribble left, pulled up just inside the arc — and released. The ball kissed the glass, spun twice, and dropped. No net. Just glass. The kind of shot you only see in movies. Or when your team has no one else left.
Timberwolves’ Comeback Falls Just Short
Minnesota led by 10 in the first quarter. The Lakers responded with a 30-24 second quarter to take a four-point lead into halftime. They extended it to 15 in the third. But the Timberwolves, playing without Edwards, refused to fold. Keita Bates-Diop hit three threes in the fourth. Malik Beasley drove for a reverse layup to cut it to 115-114. The crowd roared. The Lakers’ bench held its breath.
It wasn’t just the injuries. It was the fatigue. The Lakers had played four games in seven days. Their rotation was so thin that Bronny James and rookie Nick Smith Jr. played over 28 minutes each. Smith, the 19-year-old guard, hit two clutch free throws in the final minute. "He’s got ice in his veins," Redick said afterward. "And we’re lucky to have him."
LeBron’s Return Timeline Remains Unclear
While the team battled on the court, the bigger question loomed off it: When does LeBron come back? Redick offered no firm date. "No change," he said. "We’re in that general timeline — second or third week of November. But it’s not about dates. It’s about protocols. He’s got to feel right. We’re not rushing him back for a game like this."
That’s the brutal truth. The Lakers aren’t just playing without stars — they’re playing without a roadmap. Doncic’s finger injury? Unclear. Vincent’s ankle? Still tender. Thiero? Cleared for contact but not yet for NBA minutes. The team’s headquarters at 1111 S. Figueroa Street in Los Angeles is now more of a rehab center than a front office.
What This Means for the West Race
At 4-3, the Lakers are clinging to a playoff spot in a brutal Western Conference. The Timberwolves, now 3-4, are reeling after a home loss they’ll want back. But the bigger story? Depth. The Lakers’ ability to win with eight players isn’t a fluke — it’s a testament to coaching, resilience, and Reaves’ emergence. Meanwhile, teams like Denver, Phoenix, and Golden State are watching. They know: if the Lakers can survive this, they can survive anything.
Next up? A back-to-back in Utah. No rest. No answers. Just more games. More injuries. More pressure. But for now, the Lakers have something they didn’t have 48 hours ago — hope. And a buzzer-beater that will echo long after the next injury report drops.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Jaxson Hayes’ return impact the Lakers’ defense against Minnesota?
Hayes’ return gave the Lakers crucial interior presence, allowing Deandre Ayton to rest without forcing small-ball lineups that Minnesota exploited in previous games. He played 18 minutes, blocked two shots, and grabbed six rebounds — including three on the defensive glass in the final quarter — helping limit Minnesota’s second-chance points to just 7, down from 14 in their last game without him.
Why was Marcus Smart’s absence so damaging for the Lakers?
Smart’s defensive versatility and veteran leadership were sorely missed. He was expected to guard Minnesota’s primary ballhandlers and relieve Reaves on the perimeter. Without him, Reaves had to handle the ball for over 35 minutes and defend Jayden McDaniels — a physically demanding matchup that contributed to his eight turnovers over the last two games, despite his scoring explosion.
What’s the timeline for LeBron James’ return?
Coach JJ Redick confirmed there’s no official date, but LeBron is progressing through his return-to-play protocols and could return sometime in the second or third week of November. The Lakers are being cautious, prioritizing long-term health over short-term wins, especially with a grueling schedule ahead that includes five games in eight days starting November 3.
How did Austin Reaves perform under defensive pressure from Jayden McDaniels?
Despite McDaniels’ relentless defense — including physical bumping, double-teams, and constant hand-checking — Reaves shot 12-of-24 from the field and made 10 of 11 free throws. He recorded 12 assists and only 2 turnovers in the second half, showing remarkable poise. His game-winner came after McDaniels had already fouled him on the previous possession, forcing Minnesota to foul strategically in the final seconds.
What does this win mean for the Lakers’ playoff chances?
With only eight healthy players, this win keeps the Lakers afloat in the Western Conference playoff race, currently sitting at 4-3. They’re tied for 7th, but their ability to win close games under extreme duress signals resilience. If they can stay healthy through November, they could climb into the top six. But with five more games before November 10, every win matters — and every injury could be catastrophic.
Is Adou Thiero close to returning to the NBA roster?
Thiero has been cleared for live contact and is practicing with the Lakers, but he remains assigned to the South Bay Lakers in the G League. He’s not yet eligible to play in NBA games. The team expects him to rejoin the main roster in mid-November, assuming no setbacks. His size and athleticism could provide much-needed depth at forward if the Lakers’ injury issues persist.