Lakers injury update: Is Jaxson Hayes playing tonight vs. Timberwolves, Rudy Gobert? originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The Los Angeles Lakers are in the midst of an incredibly important stretch to begin the 2025-26 NBA season.

A pair of Western Conference contenders will look to avoid the wrong side of .500 Wednesday night in Minneapolis, with the Minnesota Timberwolves set to host the Los Angeles Lakers.

There is reportedly a sense around the NBA that the Lakers may not be sold on Deandre Ayton as their long-term solution at the center position.

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Deandre Ayton has also provided a steady interior presence, averaging 15.8 points and 9.2 rebounds through four games. Still, the absence of their stars has placed heavy strain on Los Angeles’ rotation as they aim to at least steady the ship and avoid falling behind early in the season.

Here's what you need to know about the NBA game between the Timberwolves and the Lakers, including broadcast information and start time.

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Basketball fans anticipate a thrilling NBA clash between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Lakers, with Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton, will face the Timberwolves. Both teams have notable players out due to injuries.

The first week of the 2025-26 NBA season is through and, already, there’s no shortage of compelling story lines at work.