Kuzma leads AD-less Lakers' 127-91 thrashing of Timberwolves

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kyle Kuzma scored 20 points in first half while starting in Anthony Davis' place, and LeBron James ded 18 points in Los Angeles Lakers' 127-91 victory over Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night.

Star big men Davis and Karl-Anthony Towns sat out. Davis has a bruised calf that isn't expected to be a long-term problem, while Minnesota's Towns has a more serious dislocated left wrist.

Kuzma h a phemenal opening half in his first start since agreeing to a three-year, $40 million contract extension with NBA champions. He hit three consecutive 3-pointers to open scoring in a wire-to-wire win for Los Angeles, which led by 20 in first quarter and 36 in third.

Lakers coach Frank Vogel believes Kuzma's overall game evolved last season when he moved into a supporting role with Davis' arrival.

“It’s t really about scoring,” Kuzma said. “I just try to impact game and take shots when I have m, and that’s me me a better player. ... I just try to seize moment. In a season like this, playing back-to-backs, coach and organization being conservative with LeBron and allows me to have those nights when I can show what I work on every day.”

Marc Gasol h 12 points, eight assists and seven rebounds in just 21 minutes for Lakers, who d floor and moved ball superbly with 32 assists.

“Marc sees game very similar to how I see it,” James said. “We’ve got guys that can make right play, make right pass. You saw some unbelievable passes tonight from Kuz, from (Alex Caruso). list goes on and on. body should ever feel pressured to take a b shot because we can always move ball.”

. 1 pick Anthony Edwards h 15 points on 6-of-21 shooting in Timberwolves' first loss of season. Minnesota missed its first 12 3-point attempts while falling behind by 23 early in second quarter.

“I thought we didn't play our brand of basketball at all,” Minnesota coach Ryan Saunders said. “re were a lot of things I didn’t like tonight, so we’ll dive into film. We’ve got a good locker room re. We’ve got guys who want to do right thing. y feel same way, I’m sure.”

TIP-INS

Timberwolves: Jen McDaniels scored his first NBA points on a pair of 3-pointers in fourth quarter. ... Josh Okogie went to locker room in second quarter. team said it was cramping. ... Towns was examined Sunday in Los Angeles. He won't require surgery, but will be evaluated weekly.

Lakers: James rolled his left ankle in first half for second time in a week, but stayed in game. He is questionable for Monday. ... Caruso strained a hand muscle.

LBJ'S DIGITS

James tied Kevin Garnett for fourth place in NBA history by scoring at least 10 points for 1,260th time.

UP NEXT

Timberwolves: At Clippers on Tuesday.

Lakers: Host Portland on Monday.

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