Jovan Buha welcomes Tim (aka Cranjis McBasketball) of the Lakers Exceptionalism Podcast and Bball Index to preview the Los Angeles Lakers’ first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Jovan and Tim discuss their biggest question for the Lakers and the Wolves, their player X factor for both teams, one statistical X factor and one series X factor before making their series prediction. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, rating and reviewing. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:07 How Tim has been preparing for this series 6:05 Tim’s question for LA: How will the coaching staff adjust in the playoffs? 14:33 Jovan’s question for LA: How do their center-less looks fare vs. MIN’s size? 21:23 Tim’s question for MIN: Can they defend without conceding mismatches? 25:51 Jovan’s question for MIN: How are they going to guard Luka? 30:55 Tim’s Lakers X factor: Jaxson Hayes 40:20 Jovan’s Lakers X factor: Rui Hachimura 44:34 Tim’s Wolves X factor: Julius Randle 49:25 Jovan’s Wolves X factor: Jaden McDaniels 54:03 Tim’s statistical X factor: LA’s offensive scheme 59:44 Jovan’s statistical X factor: Turnover battle 1:04:02 Tim’s series X factor: How long can MIN avoid switching? 1:08:37 Jovan’s series X factor: Which frontline has to adjust more? 1:12:50 Tim’s series prediction 1:15:22 Jovan’s series prediction 1:18:13 Outro Timestamps are subject to change based on ad placement and duration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices