The Timberwolves vs Lakers timeline shows how a quiet matchup turned into a serious NBA rivalry. In the early days, the Lakers dominated because they had championship experience, star power, and fan support. The Timberwolves, who joined the league in 1989, took time to grow. But that growth has now turned into real competition. Over the years, with changing players and playoff tension, this game now feels personal for both teams.
This rivalry gained heat especially in the 2020s. The Timberwolves started showing more consistency, while the Lakers had roster shakeups but stayed relevant. This timeline isn’t just about scores — it’s about pride, revenge, and bold statements on the court. Fans now circle this matchup on their calendar. From LeBron James to Anthony Edwards, every meeting brings something exciting.
Table of Contents
Regular Season Encounters: A Historical Perspective
Over the years, the Lakers have had the upper hand in regular season matchups. According to Land of Basketball, the Lakers lead the series 87–46 as of the end of the 2024–25 season. This means the Lakers have historically won almost twice as many games. But in recent seasons, the Timberwolves have closed that gap, especially when playing at home.
Big regular season moments include Kobe Bryant’s high-scoring games in the early 2000s and Kevin Garnett’s legendary battles during his prime. More recently, Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert have given Lakers defenders serious problems. These games often have playoff-level intensity. Even when they don’t affect the standings much, they tell us a lot about each team’s mindset and strategy.
| Detail | Lakers | Timberwolves |
|---|---|---|
| All-Time Wins | 87 | 46 |
| Last Playoff Series Win | 2004 | 2025 |
| 2024–25 Regular Season | 2 Wins | 2 Wins |
| Key Star (2025) | Luka Dončić | Anthony Edwards |
Playoff Showdowns: High-Stakes Battles
The Timberwolves vs Lakers timeline gets most intense when the playoffs begin. These games decide who survives and who goes home. The Lakers had the edge for years. They beat the Timberwolves in the 2003 first round (4–2) and again in the 2004 Western Conference Finals (4–2). Back then, players like Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant were too much for Minnesota’s Kevin Garnett-led team.
But things changed in 2025. For the first time in history, the Timberwolves beat the Lakers in a playoff series, winning 4–1. That series was a huge moment for Minnesota. Game 5 in particular was historic—Rudy Gobert dominated with 27 points and 24 rebounds, shutting down the Lakers’ offense and silencing the crowd in Los Angeles. That victory felt like a shift in power and added a new chapter to this growing rivalry.
2024–25 Season: A Pivotal Chapter in the Rivalry
The 2024–25 season was packed with tension between the Timberwolves and Lakers. They played four times during the regular season, and both teams won two games each. The Timberwolves blew out the Lakers in December with a 109–80 win, showing their strength. However, the Lakers bounced back in February, winning 111–102, led by Luka Dončić.
In the 2025 playoffs, they met again. Timberwolves won the series 4–1. These were the game results:
- Game 1: Timberwolves 117 – Lakers 95
- Game 2: Lakers 94 – Timberwolves 85
- Game 3: Timberwolves 116 – Lakers 104
- Game 4: Timberwolves 116 – Lakers 113
- Game 5: Timberwolves 103 – Lakers 96
This series showed Minnesota’s maturity and teamwork. Anthony Edwards stepped up as a leader, and Mike Conley Jr. provided calm leadership. On the Lakers’ side, the newly acquired Luka Dončić tried his best, but the team lacked chemistry. It was a reminder that talent alone doesn’t win playoff series—teamwork does.
Player Movements and Their Influence on the Rivalry
Over the years, player trades and signings have deeply shaped the Timberwolves vs Lakers timeline. One of the biggest changes came in 2025 when the Lakers traded Anthony Davis for Luka Dončić. It was a risky move that aimed to bring new energy, but it came with growing pains.
On the Timberwolves’ side, they traded Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks and received Julius Randle in return. Randle gave them more physical strength and toughness, which helped in their playoff success. Another player who impacted both sides of the rivalry is D’Angelo Russell, who played for both teams at different times.
These moves show how team strategies can shape matchups. When stars change teams, the whole rivalry can shift. It adds drama and new storylines, keeping the fans engaged every season.
Cultural and Fan Perspectives
The rivalry between the Timberwolves and Lakers isn’t just about players—it’s also about fans and cities. Lakers fans are used to winning. They have 17 championships and expect greatness. Timberwolves fans, on the other hand, are loyal and patient. Every win means more because the team hasn’t had much playoff success until recently.
When Minnesota beat Los Angeles in 2025, Timberwolves fans flooded social media, celebrating like it was a championship. They saw it as a victory over a team that had always stood in their way. Lakers fans, while disappointed, respected Minnesota’s effort. This mutual recognition makes the rivalry even stronger.
Quotes from Reddit and Twitter:
“We finally did it. We beat the big bad Lakers. Let’s go Wolves!” – @MNhoopsfan
“Can’t hate on the Wolves. They outplayed us fair and square.” – @LakeShowForever
These voices show how fans shape the emotional side of this rivalry.
Statistical Comparison and Analysis
When we look at the numbers in the Timberwolves vs Lakers timeline, it’s clear that history favors Los Angeles, but the future might belong to Minnesota. Here’s a breakdown:
| Category | Lakers | Timberwolves |
|---|---|---|
| All-Time Wins | 87 | 46 |
| All-Time Playoff Series Wins | 2 | 1 |
| Last Playoff Meeting | Lost 1–4 (2025) | Won 4–1 (2025) |
| 2024–25 Star Player | Luka Dončić | Anthony Edwards |
| Average PPG in 2024–25 Series | 100.4 | 107.4 |
The stats show a recent swing toward Minnesota. They’re scoring more, defending better, and showing up in big moments. If this trend continues, the Timberwolves could dominate this matchup in the coming years.
Future Outlook of the Timberwolves vs Lakers Timeline
What’s next in the Timberwolves vs Lakers rivalry? Both teams are reloading and rebuilding in smart ways. The Timberwolves have a strong young core with Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, and Rudy Gobert. If they keep improving, they could become yearly contenders.
The Lakers are never out of the picture. With Luka Dončić leading the team and the front office always active in free agency, they will bounce back. Their focus now is chemistry and defense. Fans should expect more playoff battles between these two. Many analysts believe they could meet again in the 2026 Western Conference Semifinals or even Finals.
No matter what happens, one thing is clear—this rivalry is just getting started.
Conclusion
The Timberwolves vs Lakers timeline has shifted from one-sided dominance to thrilling competition. From Kobe vs KG to Edwards vs Dončić, every era brings new matchups and memories. Minnesota finally earned respect by beating the Lakers in the 2025 playoffs. That win was more than a series—it was a statement.
As both teams look ahead, this rivalry will continue to grow. It’s now one of the must-watch matchups in the NBA, filled with talent, pride, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re a diehard fan or a casual viewer, one thing’s for sure: Timberwolves vs Lakers will never be boring.
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FAQs
Q1: How many times have the Timberwolves and Lakers played?
They’ve played 133 regular season games, with the Lakers leading the series 87–46.
Q2: When did the Timberwolves beat the Lakers in the playoffs?
In 2025, Minnesota beat the Lakers 4–1 in the first round.
Q3: Who is the top Timberwolves player now?
Anthony Edwards is currently the Timberwolves’ star player and team leader.
Q4: Did Luka Dončić play for the Lakers?
Yes, he joined the Lakers in 2025 after being traded from the Mavericks.
Q5: Will they play again in the 2026 playoffs?
Most likely, yes. Experts predict a possible rematch in 2026.