Few NBA matchups carry the historical weight that the Timberwolves vs Lakers rivalry does. Their very first meeting on December 20, 1989, went to overtime — a sign that even as an expansion team, Minnesota was ready to scrap. The Los Angeles Lakers lead the all-time regular-season series with 90 wins to Minnesota’s 46. But raw numbers don’t tell the full story of this matchup.
These two franchises share more than just games on the schedule. The Minneapolis Lakers left Minnesota in 1960, and the Timberwolves were born in 1989, essentially filling that void. Over the decades, they have met in two playoff series — each one defining a different era of this rivalry.
In this timeline, you will see the complete history of Timberwolves vs Lakers, including key games, turning points, player performances, and recent updates — all in one place.
Key Takeaways — Timberwolves vs Lakers Timeline
- The historical gap is huge but shrinking: The Lakers lead the all-time regular season series 90-46, but the gap has narrowed significantly since 2015.
- Two defining playoff series: The 2004 WCF (Lakers win) and the 2025 first round (Wolves win) represent the two most important clashes in this rivalry. Each defined an era.
- Individual brilliance: Kobe Bryant’s 50-point game in 2007, Kevin Garnett’s 2004 Conference Finals run, and Anthony Edwards’ 2025 playoff dominance are the standout individual moments.
- The tide is turning: Since 2020, the Timberwolves have become increasingly competitive in this matchup. Their 2025 4-1 playoff win was a landmark moment.
- Unique historical connection: No other rivalry in the NBA has the same backstory — a franchise that left, a new franchise that replaced it, and now a growing modern rivalry between them.
What Is the Timberwolves vs Lakers Timeline?
Here is a quick snapshot of every key stat from this matchup across regular season and playoff history.
| Stat | Detail |
| First Meeting | December 20, 1989 |
| Total Regular Season Games | 136 |
| Lakers Wins (Regular Season) | 90 |
| Timberwolves Wins (Regular Season) | 46 |
| Playoff Games Played | 17 |
| Playoff Series | 2 (2004 WCF, 2025 R1) |
| Latest Playoff Result (2025) | Timberwolves won 4-1 |
According to NBA.com and Basketball-Reference, the Lakers hold a commanding lead in all-time regular-season wins. But the 2025 postseason result proves Minnesota has closed the gap in a big way.
When Did the Timberwolves vs Lakers Rivalry Start?
The first meeting between the Timberwolves and Lakers took place on December 20, 1989. The Lakers won 106-97, but the game required overtime — setting the tone for a competitive matchup even in its earliest form.
Minnesota entered the NBA as an expansion team in 1989. The story has a unique twist: the original Minneapolis Lakers left for Los Angeles in 1960. When the Timberwolves arrived nearly 30 years later, they were in many ways the NBA’s return to Minnesota.
In those early years, the Lakers were a powerhouse led by Magic Johnson. Minnesota, still building its roster, was no match. The 1989-90 Wolves finished 22-60, but they drew over 1 million fans — an NBA record for attendance that season.
Timberwolves vs Lakers Timeline — Year-by-Year Breakdown
1990s — Early Years
From 1990 to 1999, the Lakers controlled this matchup. Minnesota was still developing its identity as a franchise. Kevin Garnett was drafted in 1995 and gave the Wolves a future star, but the team around him remained thin.
The Lakers, meanwhile, had Shaquille O’Neal arrive in 1996, paired with a young Kobe Bryant. The talent gap was significant. In the 1990s, the Lakers won roughly 31 of 39 regular-season meetings between the two teams.
2000-2010 — Shaq & Kobe Era
The most dramatic chapter of this rivalry came in the 2004 NBA Playoffs. This was the only time in franchise history the Timberwolves reached the Western Conference Finals — and they faced the Lakers to get there.
Minnesota finished with a 58-24 record that season, its best. Kevin Garnett led the league in scoring and rebounding. But after beating Sacramento in seven games, the Wolves ran into the Lakers.
The Lakers won the series 4-2. Game 6 on May 31, 2004, ended 96-90 in favour of Los Angeles. Latrell Sprewell led Minnesota with 27 points, but it wasn’t enough. Shaq finished with 25 points and 11 rebounds in the series clincher.
2010-2020 — Rebuilding Phase
This decade was defined by rebuilding on both sides. The Lakers lost Shaq after 2004, and Kobe carried the team to two more championships in 2009 and 2010. Minnesota, without Garnett after his 2007 trade to Boston, cycled through draft picks and struggled.
The regular season matchups during this period were less intense. Both teams had playoff ambitions, but rarely found themselves competing at the same level in the same window.
One exception: March 18, 2007, Kobe Bryant scored 50 points against the Timberwolves in a 109-102 Lakers win. It was the second game in his legendary four-game, 50-point scoring streak — a performance that has never been matched.
2020-2026 — Modern Era
The modern era of this rivalry is defined by two stars: LeBron James for the Lakers and Anthony Edwards for Minnesota. LeBron arrived in Los Angeles in 2018. Edwards was drafted No. 1 overall in 2020.
Both players are generational talents. Their matchups became among the most-watched in the Western Conference. Edwards, in particular, emerged as a legitimate superstar who could match LeBron’s intensity.
In the 2025 NBA Playoffs First Round, the Timberwolves shocked the Lakers, winning 4-1. Luka Doncic, playing his first playoff game as a Laker after a mid-season trade, led Los Angeles with 30.2 PPG for the series. But Minnesota’s defence and depth proved too much.
Key Games in Timberwolves vs Lakers History
These are the most important games in the full history of this matchup, based on stakes, performances, and long-term impact.
| Date | Matchup | Score | Key Player | Why It Mattered |
| Dec 20, 1989 | LAL vs MIN | Lakers 106-97 (OT) | Magic Johnson | First-ever meeting; went overtime |
| Mar 18, 2007 | LAL vs MIN | Lakers 109-102 | Kobe Bryant (50 pts) | Kobe’s back-to-back 50-pt game; historic scoring run |
| 2004 WCF Gm 6 | LAL vs MIN | Lakers 96-90 | Shaq (25 pts/11 reb) | Lakers eliminated Wolves; advanced to NBA Finals |
| Apr 25, 2025 | MIN vs LAL | Wolves 116-104 | J. McDaniels (30 pts) | Career playoff-high; Wolves went up 2-1 in series |
| Apr 30, 2025 | MIN vs LAL | Wolves 103-96 | R. Gobert (27 pts/24 reb) | Gobert’s best playoff game; Wolves eliminated Lakers 4-1 |
Timberwolves vs Lakers Head-to-Head Stats
Here is a complete breakdown of the head-to-head record between both franchises in regular season and playoff play.
| Category | Lakers | Timberwolves |
| Regular Season Wins | 90 | 46 |
| Win Percentage | ~66% | ~34% |
| Playoff Series Won | 1 (2004) | 1 (2025) |
| 2025 Playoff Series | Lost 1-4 | Won 4-1 |
| Recent 5 Games (2024-25 PO)The | Lakers won 1 | Wolves won 4 |
The 136 regular-season games show clear Lakers dominance historically. But the 2025 playoff result — Minnesota winning 4-1 — marks a real shift in competitive balance between these two franchises.
Timberwolves vs Lakers Playoff History
These two teams have met twice in the postseason. Both series were played in the Western Conference.
- 2004 Western Conference Finals: Lakers won 4-2. Minnesota had its best season ever (58-24) but fell to the Shaq-Kobe Lakers. Kevin Garnett averaged 24.2 points and 17.8 rebounds in the series.
- 2025 Western Conference First Round: Timberwolves won 4-1. Anthony Edwards averaged 26.8 PPG, 8.4 RPG, and 6.2 APG. Jaden McDaniels was the defensive MVP of the series. Rudy Gobert delivered 27 points and 24 rebounds in the series clincher.
In 17 total playoff games between these two teams, the Lakers lead with 9 wins to Minnesota’s 8 wins. The playoff series record is now tied at 1-1 after Minnesota’s 2025 win.
Top Player Performances in Timberwolves vs Lakers Games
These are the biggest individual performances in the history of this matchup, sorted by impact.
- Kobe Bryant — 50 pts, Mar 18, 2007: Lakers 109-102 win. Bryant went 17-for-35 from the field with 6 rebounds and 5 steals. It was his second straight 50-point game, part of a historic four-game stretch.
- Kevin Garnett — 24.2 PPG, 17.8 RPG (2004 WCF): KG was unstoppable in the 2004 playoff series, but could not overcome Shaq and Kobe without help from a healthy Sam Cassell.
- Jaden McDaniels — 30 pts, Apr 25, 2025: Career playoff-high in Game 3 of the 2025 first round. Led Minnesota’s defence on Luka Doncic while also being the primary scorer.
- Rudy Gobert — 27 pts / 24 reb, Apr 30, 2025: His best playoff game ever. Delivered a historic 20-20 effort in the series clincher after posting just 14 combined points in the first four games.
- Anthony Edwards — 43 pts, Apr 27, 2025: Led Minnesota in scoring for the first time in that series. Drew the key foul in the final seconds to seal a 116-113 Timberwolves win.
Quote: “There’s been no panic — that’s been a hallmark of this team.” — Timberwolves Head Coach Chris Finch, after Game 4 of the 2025 Playoffs (ESPN, April 2025)
What Makes the Timberwolves vs Lakers Rivalry Interesting?
Historical roots: The Lakers were originally the Minneapolis Lakers, playing in the same market before moving to Los Angeles in 1960. The Timberwolves represent Minnesota’s return to NBA basketball after a 29-year absence.
Star power clashes: This matchup has featured some of the biggest names in NBA history. Magic vs. the early Wolves. Shaq and Kobe vs. Kevin Garnett. Kobe’s 50-point night against KG. LeBron vs. Anthony Edwards in the modern era.
Playing styles: The Timberwolves have increasingly become an elite defensive team under the leadership of Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels. The Lakers tend to rely on offensive star power. That clash of styles makes for compelling basketball.
Expert Perspective: ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst noted in 2025 that the Timberwolves’ first-round sweep of the Lakers marked a clear generational shift in Western Conference power, with Edwards asserting himself as a top-five player in the league.
Latest Timberwolves vs Lakers Game — 2025 Playoff Update
The most recent meeting between these two teams was April 30, 2025 — Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs First Round.
- Final Score: Timberwolves 103, Lakers 96
- Series Result: Minnesota won 4-1
- Key Stats: Rudy Gobert posted 27 points (12-of-15 FG) and 24 rebounds — best playoff game of his career
- Luka Doncic (LAL): Led the Lakers with 30.2 PPG for the series in his first playoff appearance as a Laker
- Anthony Edwards (MIN): 8 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 6.2 APG for the series
The series result confirmed that Minnesota is now a legitimate Western Conference power. The Timberwolves advanced to face the Golden State Warriors in the second round, eventually reaching the Western Conference Finals for the second straight year.
Final Thoughts
The Timberwolves vs Lakers timeline is more than just a list of games and scores. It is a story about two franchises connected by geography and separated by a generation, now building one of the most compelling rivalries in the Western Conference.
From Magic Johnson’s Lakers dominating an expansion Wolves team in 1989, to Anthony Edwards eliminating LeBron and Luka in the 2025 playoffs, this rivalry has delivered unforgettable moments — and the best is likely still to come.
Which Timberwolves vs Lakers game stands out to you the most? Drop your answer in the comments below.
