Opponent--Minnesota Timberwolves.Site--Target Center, Minneapolis.Time--5 PST.TV--Channel 9.Radio--KLAC (570).Records--Lakers...

Opponent--Minnesota Timberwolves.

Site--Target Center, Minneapolis.

Time--5 PST.

TV--Channel 9.

Radio--KLAC (570).

Records--Lakers 19-8, Timberwolves 8-17.

Record vs. Timberwolves--2-0.

Laker update--The Bulls and Bucks both used four players in shifts against Shaquille O’Neal, some, like Dennis Rodman, giving away about 100 pounds. The Timberwolves have been giving three players time at center. The Lakers have won five in a row against Minnesota and are 24-6 all-time in the series.

Timberwolf update--They have not only lost nine of 10 games after a good start but have given up 108.1 points over the last nine. So much for the big starting frontline of 7-foot-2 Stojko Vrankovic, 6-10 Tom Gugliotta and 6-11 Kevin Garnett that has made the Timberwolves one of the best shot-blocking teams in the league. Gugliotta has quietly averaged 22.4 points and 8.4 rebounds.