The Los Angeles Lakers don't have an easy first-round matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. They are one of the tougher defenses to face in the playoffs because of how big they are.

Rich Paul said he believes Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves will be the x-factor in the Minnesota Timberwolves series.

JJ Redick had validated Austin Reaves all season, publicly and privately praising the Lakers guard as a key player of the roster. It was a topic in Redick’s first news conference as Lakers coach, a topic in the preseason and,