Newsletter
Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Reading: Rich Paul Says Austin Reaves Is The X-Factor In Lakers vs. Timberwolves Matchup
Fadeaway WorldFadeaway World
Search
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Follow US
Home > NBA News & Analysis > Los Angeles Lakers News & Analysis > Rich Paul Says Austin Reaves Is The X-Factor In Lakers vs. Timberwolves Matchup

Rich Paul Says Austin Reaves Is The X-Factor In Lakers vs. Timberwolves Matchup

LeBron James' agent previews the Lakers/Timberwolves series.

Nico Martinez
Apr 15, 2025
4 Min Read
Share

Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

In a recent chat on the Pat McAfee Show, NBA agent Rich Paul of Klutch Sports gave a preview of the upcoming Lakers/Timberwolves series. Since Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is his top client, Paul will no doubt be watching them closely this postseason and he believes the Timberwolves posed a very significant threat.

“That’s not going to be an easy one for anybody. Anytime you’re dealing with that youth and size the Timberwolves have,” Paul said. “And Ant being able to be Ant, he can give you 40 any night.”

The Timberwolves made it to the Western Conference Finals last season before being eliminated in a highly competitive series. The Lakers will have home-court advantage in this matchup and they’ll also have their stars to help even out the odds.

“You have the experience with [LeBron James] and Luka [Doncic] being at the level that they play IQ wise but they’ll have to depend on the others as well,” said Paul. “Austin Reaves would be the x-factor in that series I believe.”

The Lakers are an entirely different team after swapping Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic back in February. Overnight, the entire game plan changed for the Lakers and many fans expected them to struggle after giving up most of their frontline.

Instead, the Lakers found success with small ball as Jaxson Hayes held down the interior with his defense and finishing around the rim. Over months, the Lakers found a steady rhythm with Luka and they managed to finish third in the West for the upcoming playoffs.

Their reward? A showdown against Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round. As winners of three straight games (and eight of their final 10), the Timberwolves have caught fire at the right time and they look like a team poised to make a huge upset in the West.

With the Wolves’ size and depth in the front court (Rudy Gobert, Julius Randle), the Lakers could struggle to control the paint and it will likely lead to a lot of dunks and layups around the rim. Jaxson Hayes can only hold it together for so long against the best big men in the world.

With the best defensive coverage on LeBron James and Luka Doncic, it means that Austin Reaves will be a major factor in deciding the game. With averages of 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game on 46.0% shooting, Reaves has emerged as a reliable star for the Lakers and they will need his scoring to take down the Timberwolves.

If Reaves is at his best and torching Minnesota with his shot-making, it will open up the floor for everyone else and force the defense to take their focus on the other two stars, who will be waiting to go off at the first opportunity. 

Only time will tell if the Lakers have what it takes to win it all this year, but they certainly believe that they can get it done as presently constructed. A tough and brutal fight lies ahead but if they can pass this first major test, it will be a major statement about their current standing in the West

Follow on Google News

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We appreciate your support.

TAGGED:Austin ReavesLos Angeles Lakers ArchiveMinnesota Timberwolves ArchiveRich Paul
Share This Article
Facebook Email Copy Link Print
ByNico Martinez
Follow:
Nico Martinez is a veteran staff writer for Fadeaway World from Brooklyn, New York. He joined Fadeaway World in 2016 and is currently residing in Columbia, South Carolina. Nico holds a degree in Sports Management from Columbia International University where he built a strong foundation in the inner workings of sports media and management. Nico's contributions have significantly enhanced the credibility and depth of Fadeaway World's content, earning him recognition across the sports journalism community. His work has been discussed in prestigious publications like Sports Illustrated. A dedicated follower of LeBron James, Nico often leads coverage on news related to the basketball star. With nearly a decade of experience in sports journalism, Nico consistently provides comprehensive and timely basketball news, engaging a wide audience of basketball enthusiasts.Nico's most desired player to interview, past or present, is Kevin Durant. He is particularly keen on asking Durant if he has any regrets about his career, especially concerning his departure from the Oklahoma City Thunder, and why he engages so much with fans on social media. 
Previous Article Damian Lillard To Miss Start Of NBA Playoffs—Bucks Face Early Crisis
Next Article Phoenix Suns Will Offer Devin Booker $150 Million Max Contract This Summer To Fix Their Costly Mistake
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Newsletter

Stay up to date with our newsletter on the latest news, trends, ranking lists, and evergreen articles

Newsletter
Facebook X-twitter Instagram

You Might Also Like

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Oklahoma City Thunder News & Analysis

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder, Accused Of Fouling Their Way To Victory In 2025 Playoffs

October 5, 2025
New York, New York, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts during the second quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Lakers News & Analysis

NFL Star Watches LeBron James’ Highlights Before Every Game He Plays

October 4, 2025
Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11) talks with reporters during media day at the Auerbach Center. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Boston Celtics News & Analysis

“Been A War Out There” – Payton Pritchard On Being Bloodied During Celtics Training Camp

October 4, 2025
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks News & Analysis

Giannis Antetokounmpo Opens Up On His Legacy Ahead Of New Season

October 4, 2025

NBA - Fadeaway World

  • Atlanta Hawks
  • Boston Celtics
  • Brooklyn Nets
  • Charlotte Hornets
  • Chicago Bulls
  • Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Dallas Mavericks
  • Denver Nuggets
  • Detroit Pistons
  • Golden State Warriors
  • Houston Rockets
  • Indiana Pacers
  • Los Angeles Clippers
  • Los Angeles Lakers
  • Memphis Grizzlies
  • Miami Heat
  • Milwaukee Bucks
  • Minnesota Timberwolves
  • New Orleans Pelicans
  • New York Knicks
  • Oklahoma City Thunder
  • Orlando Magic
  • Philadelphia 76ers
  • Phoenix Suns
  • Portland Trail Blazers
  • Sacramento Kings
  • San Antonio Spurs
  • Toronto Raptors
  • Utah Jazz
  • Washington Wizards

Pages

  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA Media
  • Exclusive NBA Interviews
  • NBA 2K News & Updates

© 2025 Fadeaway World @ All Rights Reserved

  • About Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World Authors
  • Editorial Team
  • Ethics Policy
  • Corrections Policy
  • Editorial Guidelines
  • Fact-Checking Policy
  • Contact Us
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?