The Los Angeles Lakers look like prime candidates to run their record to 8-0 tonight as they host the Minnesota Timberwolves at Staples Center. The Timberwolves, who went 15-67 last season under head coach and former Laker Kurt Rambis, are 1-6 this season and have lost five straight games overall. Minnesota has lost 16 straight road games, dating back to last season.
The Lakers have beaten the Timberwolves 11 straight times, and eight straight in Los Angeles. All-time against the Timberwolves, the Lakers are 59-21, including 34-6 at home. Under head coach Phil Jackson, the Lakers are 26-12 against Minnesota. The last Laker loss to the Timberwolves was a 117-107 loss in Minnesota on March 6, 2007.
Sunday night saw the end of a streak to start the season. Kobe Bryant scored 12 points, ending the streak of six straight games to start the season with 20 points for both Bryant and Pau Gasol. Gasol had a triple-double against Portland, with 20 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists, leading the Lakers to a 121-96 win.
The Lakers leading the NBA in points scored (114.0 per game) and offensive efficiency (118.3 points per 100 possessions). The Timberwolves have the distinction of being last in both offensive efficiency (96.4) and defensive efficiency (113.3). Former UCLA Bruin Kevin Love leads Minnesota in minutes (27.0 per game), points (16.9) and rebounds (11.7) this season.
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