Lakers vs. Wolves final score: Undermanned Lakers drop preseason opener

Without LeBron James, Anthony Davis and actual center depth, the undermanned Lakers lost 124-107 to the Wolves in their season opener on Friday.

In a streaking game, the Lakers started each half slowly before getting back into the game with energetic runs. The Lakers got close to a point in the third quarter, but their only lead came very early in the first period.

Austin Reaves scored 16 points, grabbed five rebounds and handed out seven dimes. D’Angelo Russell contributed 14 points and three assists.

Dalton Knecht dropped 16 points and was 7-for-12 from the field. Gabe Vincent had a great game off the bench, scoring 11 points in a 4-6 finish. Max Christie had 11 points and seven rebounds in place of LeBron James, and Jalen Hood-Schifino dished out six assists and four Points from the bench.

The game started with both teams building a mansion using brick shots. The rust was very evident for LA until D’Lo scored his first basket. Christie then scored and shouldered some of the attack. Knecht got his first minutes of action and looked good.

Newly signed Wolves sharpshooter Donte DiVincenzo scored 11 points to give the visitors a double-digit lead. Minnesota’s offense picked up steam and led by 13 at the end of the first half.

Not much changed for LA at the start of the second quarter. The Wolves had a 68% shooting percentage and the Lakers continued to struggle. Finally, LA looked better offensively as Bronny created a nice three-pointer for Rui after blocking a shot on the previous play.

LA’s defense wasn’t great, but their offense continued to pick up steam. Reaves was the first Laker to score in double figures. Gabe Vincent and Jalen Hood-Schifino helped LA further reduce the deficit with their productive minutes off the bench. By halftime, they were down by nine with a 13-2 run.

The Wolves’ lead was back to double digits at the start of the second half. Minnesota increased its offensive firepower while the purple and gold once again lacked shots in true Lakers form. The lack of defense was one of the main reasons the Wolves had to take so many shots.

The Lakers scored seven straight points, led by Reaves, who did a little bit of everything. D’Lo and Reaves were the only Lakers to reach double figures, and it looked like they were starting to find their form.

The deficit was back to single digits as the Lakers began chipping away at the Wolves’ lead on the shoulders of Reaves. Vincent hit a layup and a free throw to cut the deficit to two. The Wolves took a four-point lead, but Vincent hit a three-pointer to make the game one point.

The Lakers finished the quarter with poor defense and turnovers that helped the Wolves take a 95-88 lead.

Knecht continued his fine offense with a quick 3-pointer to start the final frame before adding a fiery dunk. Armél Traoré and Kylor Kelley had productive minutes off the bench to reduce the deficit to four.

The Lakers continued their defensive woes while Wolves rookie Rob Dillingham tested the team. A 12-0 scoring streak in Minnesota ended the Lakers’ hopes of starting the preseason with a win.

Bronny’s first basket came near the end of the game, much to the delight of Lakers fans at the game.

Key Takeaways:

The defense was terrible tonight and will need some serious work this pre-season.

Turnovers are the Lakers’ Achilles’ heel every season, and they begin their preseason with 20.

Is it too early to start the Knecht rookie of the year talk?

Vincent will also be an important factor for this team off the bench. His energy, defense and offense will provide the spark this team often lacks. He changed this game for the better when he started making his shots. It will be a big catch-up season for him.

The Lakers’ next preseason game is Sunday at 6:30 p.m. PT against the Phoenix Suns.

You can follow Karin on Twitter at @KarinAbcarians.