T-Wolves Reportedly Aiming to Limit LeBron James in Transition, 'Tire' Lakers Star

If it has felt like LeBron James is struggling to make as much of an impact for the Los Angeles Lakers in their playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves thus far, there's a very good reason for that.

Per ESPN's Dave McMenamin, the Timberwolves' planning for this matchup involved limiting James in transition and force him to work a lot in the halfcourt with the belief he will "tire" himself out over the course of a long series.

James has scored 40 points on 16-of-37 shooting through the first two games against Minnesota. It's his fewest two-game point total to start a postseason series since the first round of the 2020 playoffs against the Portland Trail Blazers (33).

The shooting has been a concern since James returned from a groin injury on March 22. He shot 48.7 percent overall (32.7 percent from three) in his final 12 regular-season games.

While that percentage would be good for most players, it's down three full points from what James was shooting in 58 games before the injury (51.7 percent). He was also shooting 38.4 percent from three during that span.

It's no secret that getting James in the open court is dangerous for opposing teams. McMenamin noted he averaged 6.0 points per game in transition during the regular season, sixth-best in the NBA.

Luka Dončić is a wizard with an outlet pass and it worked great in the regular season, but Minnesota is working hard to limit those quick buckets. Through two games in this series, James has just two points in transition.

James is a physical marvel, but he's also 40 years old and not the same level of athlete he was at his very best. A team capable of playing hard defense and containing him in the half-court game can have success.

The Timberwolves will keep going with their plan until the Lakers prove it's not going to work.

Los Angeles' offense as a whole has been ugly so far with 189 total points in two games, including 36 in the second half of Game 2. The Lakers were able to get a win in that game because Minnesota's offense was worse, shooting just 38.0 percent overall and 5-of-25 from behind the arc.

After splitting the first two games in Los Angeles, the Lakers and Timberwolves will play Game 3 on Friday night at the Target Center with the winner taking control of the series.