Rudy Gobert Knows He Must Dominate Against The Lakers

In the matchup against the Lakers, the Timberwolves will have the size advantage. Los Angeles has been rolling out a small-ball lineup for the second half of the season, which Minnesota could exploit.

However, some people are worried about the other side of the coin. Due to Luka Doncic playing for the Lakers now, there is an innate mismatch in the pick-and-roll. The Slovenian guard could exploit the switch with Gobert, an effective model in the 2024 Playoffs.

Gobert Knows He Is Important To Minnesota's Success

The Timberwolves have a clear advantage with their size, as Jaxson Hayes is the Lakers' starting center. The younger center is athletic but does not have the same basketball IQ as Gobert.

Due to his hot streak in the past 10 games with averages of 18.8 points and 14.9 rebounds, Gobert is in his peak form. While people will point out the switch against Luka, they must also be worried about how Rudy could dominate against the Lakers.

"I think it's gonna be huge. We know a lot of teams will put two on Ant, they are gonna switch, and I know I gotta dominate," Gobert said after their Playoffs-clinching win against the Jazz. "Me being on the glass, me making the right play, me finishing around the rim at a high level is going to be key for us."

Finch Must Set The Timberwolves Up For Success

Even if the Lakers have a formidable trio of Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves, the Timberwolves still have a good shot at winning this series. 

They have Anthony Edwards, the most prolific three-point shooter this season. That improvement could be the key to beating the Lakers because they have to think about Minnesota's varied attack with Edwards and his teammates, who can score from anywhere.

It will be up to head coach Chris Finch to prepare the team for such a tough matchup. The Lakers are a team labeled as a contender by many people, but people often forget that the Timberwolves were in the Western Conference Finals a year ago. They can go on a strong run and beat the Lakers, but they need all hands on deck.