Anthony Davis delivered a commanding performance as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 110-103 in their season opener. Davis led the Lakers with 36 points and 16 rebounds, dominating both ends of the floor.
In addition to Davis’ performance, the game was historic for the James family. LeBron James and his eldest son Bronny became the first father-son duo to play in the NBA, marking a milestone in basketball history. LeBron finished the game with 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Bronny went scoreless in his three minutes off the bench.
The duo shared the court for nearly 2.5 minutes in the first half, adding to the significance of Bronny’s NBA debut. It was the first time in league history that a father and son played together on the same team in the regular season.
Rui Hachimura contributed 18 points and 5 rebounds, continuing to prove his value as a key contributor. Austin Reaves also played a critical role, adding 12 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists for the Lakers.
For the Timberwolves, Anthony Edwards was the standout performer, leading his team with 27 points. However, Minnesota struggled to find consistent offense outside of Edwards. Julius Randle, in his Timberwolves debut, posted 16 points and 9 rebounds, while Donte DiVincenzo added 10 points in his first game with Minnesota after the trade that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to New York.
New Lakers head coach JJ Redick, making his coaching debut, secured his first victory. The former NBA sharpshooter, known for his 15-year playing career, was hired during the offseason and now has his first win at the helm.
Davis’ performance proved to be the difference in the game, particularly in the closing minutes. With just over seven minutes remaining, Davis either scored or assisted on 13 of Los Angeles’ next 15 points. His dominant stretch ensured the Lakers maintained control, and LeBron sealed the victory with a clutch three-pointer in the final moments.
The Timberwolves struggled to cope with Davis’ interior presence, especially in the post-Towns era. Randle and Rudy Gobert had difficulty slowing Davis down, and Minnesota failed to generate enough offensive support to keep pace with Los Angeles.
The Lakers, with much of their core roster unchanged from last season, displayed strong continuity on both offense and defense. The chemistry between LeBron, Davis, and the supporting cast was evident, particularly on the defensive end, where Davis anchored the Lakers’ organized defensive scheme.
While Bronny James did not score in his NBA debut, his presence alongside his father marked a monumental moment in basketball history. LeBron, entering his 22nd NBA season, officially joined Vince Carter as one of only two players to reach that milestone. He now ranks sixth in career games played, with 1,493 regular-season games and an NBA-record 287 playoff games.
For Minnesota, the loss highlighted the challenges they face in the post-Karl-Anthony Towns era. Edwards remains the focal point, but the Timberwolves will need more consistent contributions from their supporting cast if they hope to compete in the Western Conference.
The Lakers, on the other hand, have started the season with a statement win. With Davis playing at an elite level and LeBron continuing to defy age, Los Angeles appears poised for another deep playoff run.
