The Los Angeles Lakers edged out the Minnesota Timberwolves 116 to 115 on October 29, 2025, in a thrilling finish decided by Austin Reaves’ calm twelve-foot floater as the buzzer sounded. Missing stars Luka Dončić and LeBron James, the Lakers still looked dominant for most of the game, building a twenty-point advantage midway through the second half. Yet Minnesota, led by Julius Randle’s relentless play, stormed back to turn the night into a nail-biter.
The Lakers began fast, attacking the Timberwolves’ defense with sharp ball movement and steady shooting. Despite playing without Anthony Edwards, Minnesota fought to stay within reach. But as Los Angeles stretched the lead, it looked like the outcome was already written.
Everything changed in the fourth quarter. Randle took command, scoring at will and pushing the Timberwolves to a furious comeback. His go-ahead layup with just over ten seconds left gave Minnesota its first lead since the opening period.
Then came the decisive moment. After a timeout, Austin Reaves took control, driving straight down the lane through two defenders. With the clock expiring, he released a smooth floater that fell through the net as the horn sounded. The Lakers bench erupted, sealing the team’s third win of the season and handing the Timberwolves a heartbreaking defeat.
Reaves’ night was one of the best of his career. He matched his personal record with sixteen assists and poured in twenty-eight points, including the game-winner. Jake LaRavia, in his standout performance as a Laker, shot an incredible ten for eleven from the field and sank five of six three-pointers to finish with twenty-seven points. Deandre Ayton added seventeen points and ten rebounds, while Rui Hachimura contributed seventeen points and five boards in a balanced team effort.
For Minnesota, Julius Randle delivered a commanding performance, scoring thirty-three points along with five rebounds and six assists. Jaden McDaniels added thirty points and seven rebounds, helping fuel the Timberwolves’ late surge.
The Lakers’ ability to respond under pressure without their two biggest stars underscored the team’s resilience. What started as a comfortable win turned into a test of composure, and Austin Reaves answered it with poise that belied his years. The Timberwolves left the court stunned, while the Lakers celebrated a victory that will be remembered for its drama and precision in the final seconds.
The win pushes Los Angeles to a 3–2 record, showing a glimpse of the squad’s depth and determination even with major names sidelined. For the Timberwolves, the narrow loss serves as both heartbreak and motivation, a reminder of how a single shot can change everything in the closing heartbeat of a game.
