The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a stunning 116-115 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at the Target Center in Minneapolis — not because they were healthy, but despite being utterly depleted. With point guard Marcus Smart ruled out due to a right quad contusion, and four of their five primary ballhandlers sidelined, the Lakers’ victory felt less like a statement and more like a miracle. Austin Reaves carried the load, dropping 28 points and dishing out a career-high 16 assists, including a 12-foot buzzer-beater that sent the home crowd into stunned silence. The win was gritty, chaotic, and utterly dependent on a roster that shouldn’t have been able to compete — let alone win.
When the Ballhandlers Vanish
The Lakers entered the game missing a staggering four of their five primary playmakers. Luka Dončić, the Slovenian superstar, was out with a lingering left finger sprain and leg contusion from the season opener. LeBron James, 40, remained sidelined with sciatica — a condition the team now says could keep him out until mid-November. Gabe Vincent was nursing a left ankle sprain, and Marcus Smart, the defensive anchor and veteran floor general, was ruled out just hours before tip-off after suffering a right quad contusion during the opener against the Golden State Warriors on October 25. The team’s official injury report, released at 1:15 PM CT, confirmed Smart’s status as “out,” with head coach JJ Redick admitting, “We were hoping to get both Marcus and Jaxson back. Without them, we’re playing with a fire extinguisher and a bucket.”With no traditional point guard available, the burden fell squarely on Austin Reaves, who had already scored 51 points two nights earlier against Sacramento — then followed it with 41 against Portland, despite eight turnovers. Against Minnesota, he was flawless under pressure. His 16 assists were the most by a Laker since LeBron had 17 in 2018. And when the Timberwolves went on a 14-2 run to take a one-point lead with 10.2 seconds left, it was Reaves who calmly pulled up from the elbow, fading slightly right, and sank the shot that sealed it.
Unexpected Heroes and Missing Pieces
The Lakers’ survival owed as much to unexpected returns as it did to individual brilliance. Jaxson Hayes, who missed the prior two games with left patellar tendinopathy, came back with energy and rim protection. His 11 points and 7 rebounds in just 18 minutes helped stabilize the paint, allowing DeAndre Ayton to rest without the team collapsing defensively. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves, missing their star Anthony Edwards (out with a hamstring strain), still managed to dominate with Julius Randle (33 points) and Jaden McDaniels (30 points, 7 rebounds). Jake LaRavia was a revelation, scoring 27 points on 10-of-11 shooting — the most efficient game of his career.But the Lakers’ depth chart is now a cautionary tale. Backup point guard duties have fallen to 21-year-old Nick Smith Jr. and 20-year-old Bronny James, who combined for just 12 minutes against Portland. Neither has shown consistent NBA-level decision-making. The team’s medical staff, led by head physician Dr. Steven Yoon, estimates Smart will be reevaluated between November 5 and 8 — meaning the Lakers could be without their primary defensive guard for nearly two weeks.
The Financial and Strategic Fallout
The injury crisis isn’t just about wins and losses — it’s costing the Lakers real money. According to internal projections, Smart’s absence could cost the franchise approximately $1.2 million in lost performance-based incentives during the first quarter of the season alone. That’s on top of the $7.5 billion valuation the team holds, per Forbes. The loss of Dončić, James, Smart, and Vincent has disrupted offensive rhythm, forcing Reaves into an unsustainable workload. Analysts say this stretch could determine whether the Lakers’ season is salvageable or already in freefall.Meanwhile, the Timberwolves, despite their own injury woes, showed resilience. With Rudy Gobert anchoring the defense and Mike Conley, 38, running the offense, they nearly pulled off a comeback that would’ve been their signature win of the season. But they couldn’t contain Reaves when it mattered most.
What Comes Next?
The Lakers face the Phoenix Suns on Friday, then the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday — both teams with elite perimeter defense. With no clear timeline for James’ return, and Smart still weeks away, the team’s next 10 days will be a test of endurance. Can Reaves sustain this level? Will Hayes remain effective as a starter? And can Smith Jr. or Bronny James handle 20+ minutes without turning the ball over?For now, the Lakers are surviving — not thriving. But in the NBA, survival is often the first step toward redemption. And with the playoffs still months away, this team has time. But only if their stars return soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Marcus Smart expected to be out, and what’s the impact on the Lakers’ defense?
Marcus Smart’s right quad contusion requires 7-10 days of recovery, with reevaluation scheduled between November 5-8, 2025. His absence is a major blow: Smart led the Lakers in steals (1.9 per game) and defensive win shares last season. Without him, the team’s perimeter defense has dropped from 10th to 24th in the league, and opponents are shooting 41% from three against them — up from 35% when he played.
Why is LeBron James still out, and when might he return?
LeBron James is sidelined with sciatica, a nerve condition causing pain down his right leg. The Lakers’ medical staff confirmed he’s targeting a mid-November return, likely around November 15-20. His absence has forced the team to rely on smaller lineups, which strains their rebounding and interior defense. James has missed only 12 games total over the past five seasons — this is the longest stretch he’s missed since 2019.
Can Austin Reaves keep up this level of play without help?
Reaves has averaged 34.7 points and 12.3 assists over his last three games — a historic stretch for any guard, let alone one not drafted in the first round. But he’s also averaging 6.7 turnovers in that span. NBA history shows no player has sustained 30+ point, 12+ assist averages over a 10-game stretch without at least one All-Star teammate. The Lakers are pushing Reaves to his limit — and the risk of burnout or injury is growing.
How are the Lakers managing their backup point guard situation?
With Smart, Vincent, and Dončić out, the Lakers are relying on 21-year-old Nick Smith Jr. and 20-year-old Bronny James. Smith has shown flashes of scoring ability but struggles with decision-making under pressure. Bronny, still adjusting to NBA speed, played just 5 minutes in his last game. The team has not called up a player from the G League, suggesting they’re betting on internal development — a risky move with playoff implications on the line.
What does this injury crisis mean for the Lakers’ playoff chances?
The Lakers are currently 3-4, tied for 10th in the Western Conference. With their core injured, they’re unlikely to crack the top 6. A return of James and Smart by mid-November could push them into the 7-8 range, but they’d still need to win 60% of their remaining games to secure a play-in spot. Without those returns, they risk falling out of contention entirely by December.
Is there any precedent for a team overcoming this many injuries to stay competitive?
The 2018-19 Houston Rockets lost Chris Paul for 23 games and still made the Western Conference Finals. The 2021-22 Miami Heat lost Jimmy Butler for 12 games and reached the NBA Finals. But neither team lost four primary ballhandlers simultaneously. The closest modern parallel is the 2013-14 Clippers, who lost Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and J.J. Redick to injuries — and still finished 57-25. The Lakers are in uncharted territory.
