Preview: Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

The Lakers open the 2015-16 regular season on Wednesday night at Staples Center, hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Neither team made the playoffs last season, with the Lakers managing just 21 wins. The Wolves were even worse at 16-66.

Minnesota’s payoff for the year of struggle was the top overall pick in June’s NBA draft and Kentucky forward/center Karl-Anthony Towns. The Lakers chose second, selecting Ohio State guard D’Angelo Russell.

Both teams have hopes they’ll be far more competitive this season, although a berth in the playoffs may prove out of reach for either squad.

Key matchup

Kobe Bryant is expected to make his return to the court after playing just 35 games before a shoulder injury ended his season in January.

In his 20th season, Bryant will likely match up on Wednesday against 2014 top overall draft pick Andrew Wiggins, last season’s rookie of the year.

Wiggins is an athletic wing who can score and defend. In his first campaign, Wiggins averaged 16.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists a game.

Coach Byron Scott has yet to announce if Russell will start. If he does, Bryant will begin the game at three, with Jordan Clarkson playing off guard.

Clarkson may open instead at the point, with Bryant at two and possibly rookie Anthony Brown at small forward. Another option is rookie Marcelo Huertas at the one, alongside Clarkson and Bryant.

Whatever the case, Bryant and Wiggins will match up against each other.

X-factor

The Lakers don’t quite know what they have in Russell, just as the Wolves are excited to see what Towns will do in the NBA. Both are projected to make a significant impact as they develop; the questions have to do with their learning curves.

Second-year forward Julius Randle is the player to watch for the Lakers. After an opening-night injury last year sidelined him for the season, Randle has recovered and has significantly improved his skills and conditioning.

The Wolves have guard Ricky Rubio back from a number of injuries over the last couple of years. Rubio is a gifted playmaker but a suspect shooter.

The opposite is true for second-year guard Zach LaVine, a tremendous athlete who can hit shots from the outside but is still learning the nuances of the game.

Outlook

The Timberwolves’ part-owner and head coach Flip Saunders died earlier this week, and his presence will be missed.

As far as the game on the court, both squads are young with veterans such as Kevin Garnett and Bryant trying to help the kids move along quickly.

Put the Lakers down for a win on opening night.

Email Eric Pincus at Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.comfollow him on Twitter @EricPincus