NBA Hall of Famer James Worthy breaks down the Los Angeles Lakers’ first win of the season.
After a slow start to the 2025-26 NBA season, the Los Angeles Lakers recorded their first win of the season.
They won 128-110 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, led by none other than Luka Doncic, who was one point away from scoring 50 points.
Additionally, Deandre Ayton has emerged as a stopper for Rudy Gobert, but let’s leave that for later.
NBA Hall of Famer and former Laker James Worthy gave his candid thoughts on the Lakers’ dominant victory over the T-Wolves.
Worthy credits Marcus Smart with changing the game for the Lakers with his infectious energy.
“When Marcus Smart came into the game, it really changed the game. It’s amazing how contagious his energy is,” Worthy said.
Smart may have finished the night with just three points, one assist, and two steals, but his impact can’t be justified by the box score alone.
In the end, Smart posted a +24 plus/minus and emerged as a leader for the team and head coach JJ Reddick when it mattered most.
With LeBron James out, the Lakers are relying on Doncic and Austin Reaves to carry most of the scoring burden.
But until James returns, Rui Hachimura will need to step up and fill the void as the third star. Louis messed up against the Golden State Warriors, but he corrected his mistake against the Timberwolves.
“I thought Louie was the key guy tonight. He only got a few rebounds, but he was a threat offensively,” Worthy said.
For context, Hachimura added 23 points to the Lakers’ tally, shooting an impressive 10-of-13 from the floor.
Moving forward, Hachimura will need to drop a similar performance if the Lakers are to succeed in the highly competitive Western Conference.