Rudy Gobert sets screens and stage as Wolves host Lakers – Field Level Media – Professional Sports Content Solutions

The Minnesota Timberwolves knew Rudy Gobert would make a difference on defense when he joined the team two seasons ago.

Gobert’s stats on offense don’t jump off the page, but one of his biggest attributes is how he sets screens for Anthony Edwards to ignite the Timberwolves’ scoring.

The duo will get another chance to excel when the Timberwolves host the Los Angeles Lakers in Minneapolis on Friday night.

Minnesota is looking for its fifth win in its last six games. Part of the team’s recent success is the dynamic on the court between Gobert and Edwards, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said.

“It’s really evolved during Rudy’s time here,” Finch said. “(There’s) trust both ways. Rudy has long been one of the screen setters. … Ant’s willingness to take the 3 now has been huge, and Ant’s willingness to look for Rudy at different levels of the floor, like in the pocket or at the rim, we’ve been able to complete a lot more of that.

“At times I think we didn’t use Rudy as a screener in the pick-and-roll enough,” Finch said.

The Lakers also have room for improvement when they travel north. They have lost seven of their last 10 games but are coming off a 107-98 win over the visiting Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night.

Los Angeles could face an additional challenge when it returns to the court on Friday. LeBron James unlikely to play due to foot soreness.

Earlier this week, James missed practice due to personal reasons.

“LeBron is not with the team right now,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said. “He is out for personal reasons, excused absence.”

James, who turns 40 on Dec. 30, is averaging 23.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 9.1 assists this season. His 49.5 percent shooting from the field and 35.9 percent from beyond the arc are down from last season.

The teammates said they would all have to step up if James misses time.

“He’ll come back and he’ll still be the same,” Lakers backup center Christian Koloko said. “He will give everything on the field.

“We’ve just got to do our part and just get better so when he comes back he can just look at us and say, ‘Oh yeah, (they) actually worked’ when he wasn’t there. But we know he will come back and just get everything. He’s been in the NBA for a long time.”

Anthony Davis leads the Lakers with 27.5 points and 11.2 rebounds per game. James is second in scoring and Austin Reaves is third with 16.7 points per game. competition.

Edwards is averaging 26.4 points per game to lead the Timberwolves. Julius Randle is second with 20.4 points per game. game, and Naz Reid is averaging 12.7 points.

This is the third of four regular season games between the Timberwolves and Lakers.

Los Angeles won the opener 110-103 on October 22 at home behind a team-high 36 points, 16 rebounds and three blocks from Davis. Edwards scored 27 points to pace the Timberwolves.

Minnesota evened the second matchup with a 109-80 blowout victory on Dec. 2 in Minneapolis. Five players scored in double figures for the Timberwolves, led by Randle with 18. D’Angelo Russell scored 20 points on 8-for-12 shooting, including 4-for-5 from long range, to lead the way for Los Angeles.

– Media at field level