The Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves have had some thrilling battles over the years, featuring legendary performances, clutch shots, and jaw-dropping highlights. While most articles recycle the same famous moments, we dug deep into the archives to bring you five underrated, rarely discussed plays that define this under-the-radar rivalry.
Here are the top 5 hidden-gem highlights from Lakers vs. Timberwolves history that deserve more attention.
1. Kobe’s Impossible Fadeaway Over KG (2003)
📅 Date: March 6, 2003
🎥 Why It’s Forgotten: Overshadowed by Shaq’s dominance that night
- With 5 seconds left in a tight game, Kobe Bryant isolated on Kevin Garnett—one of the best defenders in NBA history.
- After a series of crossovers, Kobe launched a fading, double-clutch jumper over KG’s outstretched arms.
- Swish. Lakers won 120-117, but this shot rarely makes Kobe highlight reels.
2. Ricky Rubio’s No-Look, Behind-the-Back Dish to Love (2012)
📅 Date: December 20, 2012
🎥 Why It’s Forgotten: Lakers lost badly, so highlights were buried
- Rubio, in his prime playmaking days, drove baseline against Steve Nash.
- With no angle to pass, he whipped a behind-the-back, no-look bounce pass to Kevin Love for an and-1.
- One of the slickest assists in Wolves history, but lost in a blowout loss.
3. LeBron’s Chase-Down Block on Anthony Edwards (2022)
📅 Date: March 16, 2022
🎥 Why It’s Forgotten: Wasn’t in a playoff game
- A young Anthony Edwards had a breakaway dunk… or so he thought.
- LeBron, at 37 years old, sprinted the length of the court for a vintage chase-down block.
- The crowd erupted, but the moment was forgotten because the Lakers missed the playoffs that year.
4. Shaq’s Power Dunk That Broke the Hoop (1999)
📅 Date: April 14, 1999 (Lockout-shortened season)
🎥 Why It’s Forgotten: Fewer fans due to the strike
- Shaq caught an alley-oop from Kobe and shattered the backboard support at the Target Center.
- The game was delayed 30 minutes for repairs.
- Unlike his Orlando Magic backboard break, this one wasn’t televised widely, so only live fans remember it.
5. Nick Young’s Game-Winner After Wolves’ Collapse (2014)
📅 Date: November 28, 2014
🎥 Why It’s Forgotten: Both teams were bad that year
- The Timberwolves blew a 12-point lead in the final 2 minutes.
- Nick “Swaggy P” Young hit a contested, step-back three at the buzzer for a 120-119 Lakers win.
- One of the most chaotic endings in the rivalry, but lost in a forgettable season.
Final Thoughts
While Kobe vs. KG, LeBron vs. Ant, and Shaq’s dominance are well-documented, these five hidden moments showcase the unpredictable excitement of Lakers vs. Timberwolves.
Which play was your favorite? Let us know in the comments!