The Los Angeles Lakers have had one of their most eventful seasons in recent memory, but the real work starts on Saturday night when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves for Game 1 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals.
The Timberwolves are an imposing matchup, as they ranked sixth in the league with a 110.8 defensive rating in the regular season, via NBA Advanced Stats. Additionally, they're led by superstar guard Anthony Edwards, who finished fourth with 27.4 points points per game.
Guarding the three-time All-Star is a headache for any team, but especially when facing him in a best-of-seven playoff series. Magic Johnson said as much via his social media on Thursday.
"I’m scared for my Lakers because the game’s most exciting player, superstar Anthony Edwards, is a matchup problem," the NBA legend said.
"If the Timberwolves beat my Lakers it’s because Naz Reid and Donte DiVincenzo both have a big series. I’m picking my Lakers in 6, led by superstars LeBron James and Luka Doncic," he continued. "Austin Reaves will be the third man in the ring for the Lakers and he has to have a big series as well as Rui Hachimura. Rui has to come up big for the Lakers to win."
Los Angeles traded Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick to the Dallas Mavericks for Doncic and Maxi Kleber in February. Doncic excelled in 28 regular-season appearances with the Lakers, leading them with 28.2 points per game on 43.8 percent shooting (37.9 percent 3 PT).
