Opponent--Minnesota Timberwolves.Site--Target Center, Minneapolis.Time--5.TV--Channel 9 (delayed, 6).Radio--KLAC...

Opponent--Minnesota Timberwolves.

Site--Target Center, Minneapolis.

Time--5.

TV--Channel 9 (delayed, 6).

Radio--KLAC (570) (delayed, 6).

Records--Lakers 35-13, Timberwolves 23-25.

Record vs. Timberwolves--2-1.

Laker update--The Lakers get another look at the fast-improving Timberwolves, as if the last one wasn’t enough. That was a 15-point victory for Minnesota, also at the Target Center. Nick Van Exel is averaging 20.3 points and 8.4 assists, and shooting 47.6% (41.4% on three-pointers) the last eight games.

Timberwolf update--Their already promising chances of making the playoffs get another boost in the weeks ahead, since 10 of their next 14 games are at home. That includes a stretch of six consecutive outings against teams with losing records, against whom they are 15-5. Stephon Marbury is expected to return tonight after sitting out eight games because of a bruised thigh, the injury that cleared the way for Laker Derek Fisher to play in the rookie All-Star game last weekend. Terry Porter performed well in Marbury’s place.