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Minnesota Timberwolves game preview: Sep. 30 at Los Angeles Lakers

By Christian Anton

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 22: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves pose for portraits during 2017 Media Day on September 22, 2017 at the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx Courts at Mayo Clinic Square in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 22: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves pose for portraits during 2017 Media Day on September 22, 2017 at the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx Courts at Mayo Clinic Square in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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EL SEGUNDO, CA – SEPTEMBER 25: Brandon Ingram #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers poses for a portrait during media day at UCLA Health Training Center on September 25, 2017 in El Segundo, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Aaron Poole/NBAE via Getty Images)
EL SEGUNDO, CA – SEPTEMBER 25: Brandon Ingram #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers poses for a portrait during media day at UCLA Health Training Center on September 25, 2017 in El Segundo, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Aaron Poole/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Major key for Los Angeles: The play of Brandon Ingram

The Lakers have gone through a facelift as well this offseason.

With the departure of their former second-overall pick D’Angelo Russell and the additions of Lonzo Ball, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Brook Lopez the Lakers will be looking to learn how to play together as well.

Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota Timberwolves /

Minnesota Timberwolves

The advantage that the Timberwolves have over the Lakers in this regard is that our players are signed long term, whereas both KCP and Lopez are on one-year deals. With a high level of uncertainty when it comes to where they’ll be playing next year, many on this Lakers team may never actually end up learning how to put it together this season but only time will tell.

Their major key for this game, however, will be the growth of Brandon Ingram. The second-overall pick from last year underwhelmed in his first full NBA season, and this year will determine his value.

The Lakers want to see Ingram take strides on both sides of the ball as they expect him to be a cornerstone piece of their franchise. He will need to begin playing like a cornerstone if the Lakers want to win games this year and indefinitely.

The Lakers moved on from Russell who was a promising prospect after only two seasons, so if Ingram doesn’t pick up his level of play he could be next.

If Ingram can learn to be a leader alongside the rookie sensation Lonzo Ball, the Lakers will be set up for the future. On the flip side, Timberwolves fans know how draft busts can derail a franchise for a very long time.

Side note: It will be interesting to see LaVar Ball courtside at his son’s first real NBA test. He may be their secret weapon this year.

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