The Los Angeles Lakers couldn't mitigate the absence of LeBron James on Friday night, falling to the Minnesota Timberwolves by the final score of 97-87.

Minnesota takes on San Antonio for a Western Conference matchup Sunday. The teams play Sunday for the first time this season.

Both teams were returning from a break and showed it, but Jaden McDaniels' energy salvaged matters for the Wolves.

Minnesota shot 40.2% from the field, including 28.1% (9-for-32) from three while the Lakers shot 38.4% from the floor and ...