The Timberwolves opened their season at home last Wednesday night. Now they are nearing the end of a four game trip playing in Los Angeles against the Lakers tonight. The travels began with back to back nights in Denver and Portland (a win, then a loss, with both games decided late in the fourth quarter). Last night another loss, this one in Sacramento. Four games in five nights are unusual and only a five game road trip later in the schedule appears more challenging.
“It’s going to be fun getting out there and playing back to backs every other day, and it gives us a chance to see where we’re at,” said Wolves guard Ricky Davis before the road trip started.
Ending the schedule in Los Angeles should be fun. A lot of players enjoy the glamour of Los Angeles including the who’s who scene at the Staples Center where somebody like Jack Nicholson may offer a sarcastic comment now and then.
The Lakers, 3-1, could be the surprise of the league and before the season began looked like a team that might block the Wolves from earning the sixth, seventh or eighth spot in the Western Conference. The Lakers won their first three games, including two wins without super star Kobe Bryant who led the NBA scoring last season and is Charles Barkley’s pick to win the league’s MVP award. Wolves’ guard Troy Hudson said Bryant is “probably the best one-on-one player in the entire league.”
The Lakers, 45-37 last season and a first round loser to Phoenix in the playoffs, have been led by versatile forward Lamar Odom, averaging 23.8 points per game and making 67 percent of his three point shots. Hudson admires Odom’s skills that include handling the ball and passing like a point guard. “He definitely compares with the better players in the league,” Hudson said.
Odom and Bryant are the stars but the team has improved players such as forward Luke Walton and 19-year-old center Andrew Bynum who are making a difference. The Lakers have been playing with unity and enthusiasm, not too surprising since coach Phil Jackson is a passionate teacher of team play.
The Lakers, who play 15 of their first 20 games at home, will want to get another home court victory against the Wolves. Minnesota, 9-32 on the road last season, hopes to end with a somewhat successful but trying road trip.