Timberwolves vs Lakers Timeline: How This Under-the-Radar Rivalry Became a Court Classic?
If basketball rivalries were ranked like blockbuster movies, the Timberwolves vs Lakers rivalry might not grab the box office headlines like Celtics vs Lakers, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking drama, twists, or epic performances.
This matchup between Hollywood’s hardwood royalty and Minnesota’s rising contenders has quietly built one of the NBA’s most intriguing head-to-head histories. From blowouts to buzzer-beaters, MVP duels to underdog stunners, the Timberwolves vs Lakers timeline now spans over three decades and 135 regular season games.
With the Lakers sitting on 17 championships and the Timberwolves still chasing their first Finals appearance, you’d think this is a mismatch. But look again. The Wolves have bit back plenty of times and some of those bites left scars.
How Did the Timberwolves vs Lakers Rivalry Take Shape?
The Timberwolves joined the NBA in 1989 as one of the league’s newest expansion franchises. Their first welcome gift? A matchup against Magic Johnson’s Lakers dynasty. Not exactly a warm reception.
In their first decade, the Timberwolves were a team of growing pains. The Lakers, on the other hand, were busy chasing banners. The result? Dominance from LA. Yet, even in those early matchups, the Wolves were laying down the foundation for what would become a recurring clash between a traditional juggernaut and a determined underdog.
The first-ever meeting came on December 20, 1989, and went into overtime. The Lakers squeaked out a 106–97 win. That game set the tone: the Timberwolves would make LA work for it, even if they didn’t always come out on top.
What Is the All-Time Head-to-Head Record?
The Lakers and Timberwolves have now met 135 times in the regular season. The numbers, at first glance, show LA’s clear dominance, but they don’t tell the full story of how competitive this matchup has become in recent years.
All-Time Regular Season Record
| Team | Wins | Total Games |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Lakers | 89 | 135 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | 46 | 135 |
Despite the gap in total wins, the Wolves have strung together some impressive streaks, especially in the last decade.
What Were the Most Competitive Eras in This Rivalry?
Basketball is a game of runs, and this rivalry is no different. There have been distinct phases where one team held the upper hand. But when broken down by decade, it’s clear the gap has narrowed over time.
Win Comparison by Decade
| Decade | Lakers Wins | Timberwolves Wins |
|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 31 | 8 |
| 2000s | 23 | 17 |
| 2010s | 20 | 20 |
| 2020s (so far) | 15 | 11 |
From a 31–8 beatdown in the 1990s to a 50-50 split in the 2010s, this series has seen a slow but steady shift toward parity.
When Did the Timberwolves Pull Off Their Biggest Upsets?
Despite being seen as the underdogs more often than not, the Timberwolves have delivered some memorable punches to the purple and gold.
On Dec 2, 2024, Minnesota rolled over the Lakers 109–80, one of the most lopsided wins in the series. Earlier that season, they had already secured a 97–87 victory. That gave them a rare sweep of LA at home.
Another unforgettable upset happened on April 7, 2024, when the Timberwolves stunned the Lakers 127–117 in LA—dealing a critical blow to the Lakers’ playoff positioning.
These games weren’t just wins. They were statements: the Wolves are no longer here just to fill the schedule.
How Close Have the Matchups Been Over the Years?
While some seasons have featured blowouts, others were edge-of-your-seat thrillers. Several matchups have been decided by less than 5 points.
Closest Timberwolves vs Lakers Games
| Date | Winner | Score | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 29, 2025 | Lakers | 116–115 | 1 pt |
| Dec 9, 2015 | Timberwolves | 123–122 (OT) | 1 pt |
| Mar 17, 1990 | Lakers | 101–99 | 2 pts |
| Jan 9, 1996 | Lakers | 106–104 | 2 pts |
| Apr 6, 2017 | Lakers | 110–109 | 1 pt |
It’s games like these that prove even when the stakes aren’t championship-level, the intensity is very real.
Who Have Been the Key Performers in the Timberwolves vs Lakers Timeline?
Superstars have often defined the tempo of this rivalry. Whether it was the finesse of Kobe Bryant or the fire of Kevin Garnett, marquee players have added electricity to these encounters.
Player Performance Highlights
| Player | Team | Notable Game Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Kobe Bryant | Lakers | 50 points vs Wolves (2007) |
| Kevin Garnett | Wolves | 35 pts, 20 rebs in 2003 win |
| LeBron James | Lakers | Triple-double in 2023 play-in |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | Wolves | 39 pts, 12 rebs in 2024 victory |
| Anthony Edwards | Wolves | 33 pts in 2023 close loss |
The back-and-forth between emerging stars and legends past keeps this rivalry alive and evolving.
How Did the 2004 Playoff Series Shape the Rivalry?
The only playoff series between the two came in the 2004 Western Conference Finals. It was Minnesota’s first and only trip to the conference finals, and standing in their way were Kobe, Shaq, and a loaded Lakers squad.
LA took the series 4–2, but it wasn’t easy. Kevin Garnett played like an MVP, while Sam Cassell and Latrell Sprewell added bite to the Wolves’ bark. For Minnesota fans, it was a taste of what might’ve been. For Lakers fans, it was a reminder of just how tough the Wolves could be when fully loaded.
2004 Western Conference Finals Recap
| Game | Winner | Score | Series Standing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lakers | 97–88 | LA leads 1–0 |
| 2 | Wolves | 89–71 | Tied 1–1 |
| 3 | Lakers | 100–89 | LA leads 2–1 |
| 4 | Lakers | 92–85 | LA leads 3–1 |
| 5 | Wolves | 98–96 | LA leads 3–2 |
| 6 | Lakers | 96–90 | LA wins series 4–2 |
It remains the most competitive stretch between the two teams to date.
How Have Recent Seasons Reflected the Shifting Power Dynamic?
In the last few years, Minnesota has proven they’re no longer intimidated by the Lakers’ legacy. From 2022 to 2024, the Wolves won several key matchups, including a stretch where they won five out of seven games.
However, the Lakers bounced back in 2025 with back-to-back wins, including a nail-biter on October 29, 2025, where they edged the Timberwolves by one point.
Recent Season Matchups (2023–2025)
| Date | Winner | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 29, 2025 | Lakers | 116–115 | 1-pt thriller |
| Oct 24, 2025 | Lakers | 128–110 | Dominant home win |
| Feb 27, 2025 | Lakers | 111–102 | Strong 4Q finish |
| Dec 13, 2024 | Timberwolves | 97–87 | Defensive lockdown |
| Dec 2, 2024 | Timberwolves | 109–80 | Blowout win |
| Apr 7, 2024 | Timberwolves | 127–117 | High-scoring win in LA |
The seesaw continues. And that’s what makes this matchup one to watch.
Could This Rivalry Heat Up in the Future?
With Anthony Edwards ascending into stardom and Karl-Anthony Towns entering his prime, the Timberwolves are now a playoff regular. The Lakers, with aging stars and younger talent rising, are in transition mode.
If both squads remain competitive and sneak into the same playoff bracket again, this rivalry could reignite on a whole new level.
The NBA is evolving, and the Timberwolves vs Lakers timeline is set to become more relevant, not less.
What Are the Longest Win Streaks in the Series?
The Lakers once held a massive 22-game win streak between 2001 and 2007, asserting their dominance. The Wolves, though never matching that streak, have strung together multiple wins, especially during their 2017–2018 and 2022–2024 runs.
Longest Win Streaks
| Team | Win Streak | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Lakers | 22 | 2001–2007 |
| Timberwolves | 5 | 2017–2018 |
While LA owns the longest streak, Minnesota has proven they can run with the big dogs when their roster is right.
Conclusion: What Makes This Timeline Worth Watching?
The Timberwolves vs Lakers timeline might lack the legacy of Celtics Lakers or the media coverage of Lakers Clippers, but what it has is momentum, balance, and unpredictability.
With a 135-game history that’s gone from one-sided to competitive, and a mix of seasoned stars and emerging talent, this rivalry continues to evolve.
If there’s one thing NBA history teaches us, it’s that rivalries don’t need titles to matter—they just need tension, talent, and a little bit of trash talk.
And this one has all three.
FAQs – Timberwolves vs Lakers History and Highlights
When did the Timberwolves last beat the Lakers?
Their most recent win came on December 13, 2024, with a 97–87 victory in Minnesota.
What’s the highest-scoring game in the rivalry?
The Lakers dropped 142 points in a 2019 win, making it one of the series’ most high-octane clashes.
Which player has scored the most in a single game?
Kobe Bryant, with 50 points in 2007 against the Timberwolves.
Have the Timberwolves ever swept a season series?
Yes, including the 2017–2018 season when they beat the Lakers in every matchup.
Are their games nationally televised?
Increasingly so, especially when playoff implications or rising stars like Edwards are involved.
How many times have they played overtime?
Several games have gone into OT, including memorable matchups in 1990, 2015, and 2017.
Is there potential for a future playoff rivalry?
Absolutely. With both teams in playoff contention regularly, another postseason series seems likely.
