From limiting Minnesota’s offensive rebounds and getting back in transition to better spacing on offense, the Lakers know what it should look like when they are playing their best.

That was prevalent at a more granular level within the Western Conference semifinals. Minnesota was not picked by many to down the defending champs in Denver, but then the Wolves took Game 1. Gobert’s absence in Game 2 made Minnesota a heavy underdog again, and the Wolves ran roughshod over the Nuggets.

James was listed as probable with a left hip flexor strain on the injury report prior to Game 1 on Saturday. He played 36 minutes in the 117-95 loss, scoring 19 points with five rebounds and three assists. Only Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic logged more minutes than the 40-year-old James.