Los Angeles Lakers vs Minnesota Timberwolves injury report: Who's playing, who's out, and more (October 24, 2025)

The October 24, 2025 regular-season clash between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers is more than just an early-season showdown - it is a tale of two teams heading in opposite health directions.

While Minnesota arrive nearly flawless in terms of roster fitness, Los Angeles continue to grapple with a growing list of absences, most notably LeBron James.

Minnesota Timberwolves Injury Report vs Los Angeles Lakers (October 24, 2025)

The Minnesota Timberwolves enter the night with a clean bill of health for the second consecutive game, giving the head coach a full complement of players to work with. Anthony Edwards, coming off a dazzling 41-point performance in the season opener against Portland, leads the charge with his trademark scoring flair.Rudy Gobert anchors Minnesota’s interior, providing elite rim protection and rebounding, while Donte DiVincenzo and Jaden McDaniels balance the floor with perimeter spacing and defensive versatility. This depth and cohesion offer the Minnesota Timberwolves a clear advantage, particularly against a Lakers squad dealing with significant roster setbacks.

Minnesota’s current run of good health is reminiscent of last season, when the team ranked among the league’s best in games missed due to injury - a factor that played a major role in their deep playoff push.

Their ability to stay healthy early this season could once again prove decisive in building rhythm and chemistry.

Los Angeles Lakers Injury Report vs Minnesota Timberwolves (October 24, 2025)

The Los Angeles Lakers’ situation couldn’t be more different. LeBron James remains sidelined as he continues to recover from right-sided sciatica, with the team targeting a potential mid-November return. In his absence, Luka Dončić has assumed full control of Los Angeles’ offense.After appearing to tweak his groin during the season opener against the Golden State Warriors, Dončić is cleared for Friday’s matchup and showed no signs of discomfort in practice.

Head coach JJ Redick expressed confidence in the star’s readiness to lead, emphasizing his importance to LA’s early-season stability.The Lakers’ frontcourt, however, continues to suffer. Maxi Kleber remains out with a left oblique strain and is expected to miss at least two more weeks. Rookie forward Adou Thiero is also unavailable as he continues recovering from left knee surgery, with an estimated return by the end of October.Adding to the uncertainty, backup center Jaxson Hayes is downgraded to questionable just hours before tip-off due to left knee soreness. His status is a game-time decision, leaving the Los Angeles Lakers potentially thin in the paint once again.One positive note comes from Austin Reaves, who had tweaked his ankle earlier in the week but returned to full practice on Thursday. Redick confirmed that Reaves would be active, praising his resilience and work ethic.Without LeBron’s scoring and leadership, the Los Angeles Lakers’ offense flows primarily through Dončić’s playmaking and the contributions of Reaves and Rui Hachimura. However, the lack of reliable frontcourt depth continues to be a glaring issue. Deandre Ayton, who struggled in his Lakers debut with just 10 points on 5-of-7 shooting, faces immense pressure to deliver more consistency inside.Minnesota, on the other hand, enters the matchup looking to capitalize on their superior health and established chemistry.

Edwards’ relentless attacking style poses a major threat to LA’s perimeter defense, while Gobert’s presence inside will test the Los Angeles Lakers’ rebounding and rim protection.

Key Injury Notes Lakers vs Timberwolves (October 24, 2025)

• LeBron James (right-sided sciatica) – Out, aiming for mid-November return • Maxi Kleber (left oblique strain) – Out, re-evaluation in early November • Adou Thiero (left knee recovery) – Out until late October • Jaxson Hayes (left knee soreness) – Questionable, game-time decision • Luka Dončić (groin strain) – Cleared to play • Austin Reaves (ankle tweak) – Active • Minnesota Timberwolves – Fully healthy rosterThe Minnesota Timberwolves enter Crypto.com Arena as one of the few teams in the league enjoying complete roster health, bringing with them the momentum of an opening-night statement win. For the Los Angeles Lakers, the absence of LeBron James remains the defining storyline, leaving Dončić to shoulder the offensive load while navigating a thinned-out frontcourt rotation.