In the Western Conference Finals, their opponents were the Timberwolves, led by Juan and Edwards.
This season, Juan had reached the level of a top-tier inside player in the league, while the 39-year-old Edwards had enjoyed a second spring.
Combined with the outstanding performances of the Timberwolves' role players, they had secured the excellent record of Western First.
In the Playoffs, they had defeated their opponents 4-0 and 4-1 in the first two rounds.
They had beaten their opponents by an average of 14.7 points per game.
Especially in the previous round, in the fierce battle between the Timberwolves and the Mavericks.
The matchup between Juan and Pang Bo had been particularly thrilling.
Juan had averaged 27 points and 15 rebounds, while Pang Bo had averaged 28 points and 18 rebounds.
The two could be said to have been evenly matched.
However, with veteran Edwards holding down the fort for the Timberwolves, their ball handling on the court had been excellent.
Pang Bo's side, meanwhile, lacked a good Point Guard.
No one could get Pang Bo the ball easily.
So whenever each game reached the final moment, Pang Bo was almost always exhausted, and his efficiency dropped.
That was why they had ultimately lost with regret.
Now that the Lakers were facing this Timberwolves team, things were bound to be difficult.
Sure enough, in the first game, the Timberwolves' Juan dominated the court and completely overwhelmed the Lakers' inside player, Akur.
Juan alone poured in 48 points in the paint, along with 22 rebounds.
Akur had no way to deal with him.
And the Lakers' three-point shooting was off in the first game.
So the Lakers ultimately lost by 11 points.
In the second game, the Lakers strengthened their interior defense, constantly sending double teams into the paint.
But that