Lakers Beat Timberwolves Without James, Doncic, or Smart as Jaxson Hayes Returns

When the Los Angeles Lakers edged out the Minnesota Timberwolves 118-116 on October 30, 2025, at the Target Center in Minneapolis, no one expected it to happen without four of their top five starters. But that’s exactly what happened — and it was Austin Reaves who delivered the dagger. With LeBron James sidelined by right sciatica, Luka Doncic nursing a left finger sprain and leg contusion, and Marcus Smart out with a quad contusion, the Lakers’ depth was tested like never before. And somehow, they pulled it off — thanks in large part to the return of Jaxson Hayes, who played 13 gritty minutes after missing three games with left patellar tendinopathy.

Who Was Missing? The Injury List That Should’ve Been a Death Sentence

The Lakers’ injury report read like a who’s who of roster collapse. LeBron James, 40, was ruled out with persistent sciatic nerve irritation — the same issue that cost him six games last season. Luka Doncic, who signed a $201 million extension just months ago, was hobbling with a sprained left finger and a deep leg bruise. According to Athlon Sports, his return is now expected to take at least another week. Marcus Smart, the 30-year-old defensive anchor who signed a two-year, $21 million deal in July 2024, missed his third straight game with a right quad contusion. Maxi Kleber and Gabe Vincent were also out — abdominal strain and ankle sprain, respectively.

And yet, the Lakers led 62-58 at halftime. How? Because Jaxson Hayes showed up.

Jaxson Hayes’ Return: More Than Just Minutes

Hayes, 24, hadn’t played since October 22. His left knee had been swollen, tender, and slow to respond to treatment. But on Wednesday, he didn’t just suit up — he made an impact. Two points. Two rebounds. Three assists. One block. One steal. In 13 minutes. That’s not a stat line — that’s a statement.

"He moved better than I expected," said head coach Darvin Ham postgame. "Didn’t look stiff. Didn’t look tentative. Just played."

The Los Angeles Lakers medical staff, led by longtime head physician Dr. Gary Vitti (who’s been with the franchise since 1984), had been monitoring Hayes’ rehab closely. Patellar tendinopathy can linger for months. But Hayes’ return — even in limited minutes — suggests the team’s rehab protocols are working. And more importantly, it gives them a viable backup center when Anthony Davis needs rest.

The Timberwolves’ Side: Edwards Out, Clark Out, Dillingham in a Mask

The Minnesota Timberwolves weren’t exactly healthy either. Their star, Anthony Edwards, 23, missed his second straight game with a right hamstring strain. He felt tightness during Sunday’s loss to the Pacers. According to NBA Sports Medicine data, hamstring strains like his typically require 10–14 days — meaning Edwards won’t return until mid-November.

His absence was felt. Edwards averages 28.7 points per game. Without him, the Timberwolves’ offense sputtered. Jaylen Clark, their energetic 25-year-old forward, was also ruled out with a lingering calf strain — his second straight game out.

But there was a bright spot: Rob Dillingham, the 20-year-old eighth overall pick in the 2024 draft, played with a protective face mask after a facial fracture in practice last week. He finished with 12 points and five assists — and looked every bit the future starter.

The Game-Winner: Reaves, Reid, and the Final 10 Seconds

With 10.2 seconds left, Naz Reid — the Timberwolves’ 26-year-old center — drilled a turnaround jumper to put Minnesota up 116-115. The crowd erupted. It felt like the game was over.

Then came Austin Reaves.

He caught the inbounds pass near the left wing, drove baseline, pulled up just inside the three-point line, and released as the buzzer sounded. Swish.

"I’ve seen him do that before," said LeBron James from the bench, smiling. "But never without me on the floor. That’s the kind of stuff you remember."

The final score: 118-116. The Lakers improved to 6-3. The Timberwolves fell to 4-5.

What’s Next? A Grueling Stretch Ahead

The Lakers play the Orlando Magic in Charlotte on October 31 at 7 p.m. ET — a back-to-back with no travel day. Doncic’s timeline remains uncertain. Smart is day-to-day. Hayes’ minutes will be capped for now.

The Timberwolves face the Phoenix Suns on November 1. Edwards’ return is still two weeks away. Without him, they’re a different team — less explosive, less confident. Coach Chris Finch admitted as much: "We’re not just missing a scorer. We’re missing the guy who makes everyone else better."

Behind the Scenes: Medical Teams at Work

The Los Angeles Lakers medical staff, under Dr. Gary Vitti, has been among the most respected in the league for four decades. Their approach to patellar tendinopathy — combining eccentric loading, platelet-rich plasma injections, and controlled return-to-play protocols — is now being studied by other teams.

Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves’ athletic trainer, Donnie Raimon (on staff since 2004), is managing Edwards’ rehab with a conservative approach. No rushing. No risk. That’s smart — but it’s also costly.

For both teams, the next three weeks will define their seasons. The Lakers need health. The Timberwolves need Edwards.