That was prevalent at a more granular level within the Western Conference semifinals. Minnesota was not picked by many to down the defending champs in Denver, but then the Wolves took Game 1. Gobert’s absence in Game 2 made Minnesota a heavy underdog again, and the Wolves ran roughshod over the Nuggets.

From limiting Minnesota’s offensive rebounds and getting back in transition to better spacing on offense, the Lakers know what it should look like when they are playing their best.

The stage is set for Game 2 of the first-round playoff series between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers, and all eyes are on whether LeBron James and the Lakers