An Aggressive Julius Randle Is The Timberwolves' X-Factor Against Lakers

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Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels have received plaudits and made the headlines for their performances in the series against the Los Angeles Lakers. However, the Minnesota Timberwolves would not have a 3-1 lead without Julius Randle's contributions.

He has been spectacular for the Timberwolves, proving general manager Tim Connelly right with his performances. Randle might have had a slow start in Minnesota, but he is standing out and cementing himself as a top player for the team in the Playoffs.


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Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images


Randle has gone a bit under the radar, but he is averaging 22.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game against the Lakers. It is an impressive run for Julius because he is dominating almost every matchup he is playing against.

His physicality fits right in this series, as he bullied almost anyone he plays against. The combination of power and speed has led to the Timberwolves relying on him whenever Edwards creates for his teammates.


Randle Has Become A Mismatch For The Timberwolves​


Randle has a unique mix of being one of the strongest players on the court, while maintaining good speed. At the same time, he is also one of the most hardworking players on the Timberwolves, which is massive in this series against the Lakers.

LA wants to roll out a small-ball lineup to resolve the issues with their lack of rim protection. With that size disadvantage, Randle matches up well with the Lakers because they might be of similar stature, but he beats them with how he throws his weight around.

too tuff Julius pic.twitter.com/uaXDO3YrCU

— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) April 27, 2025

That is also why Edwards has been adamant that Randle plays with more aggression. If he is in that mode, no one on the Lakers could put up a fight.

"I told him to take more shots, he took more shots, and it helped us win. He was aggressive on the boards, and like I said, he’s been playing great, everyone we got has been playing at a high level," Edwards said after Game 4. "We've been connected on the defensive end, making the right rotations, having each other's back."

The Timberwolves Are More Dangerous With A Confident Randle​


Minnesota is focused on winning this series against the Lakers. However, there is potential for even more success beyond the first round, especially with a series against the Clippers or Nuggets lined up for them.

Randle is a monumental player for the Timberwolves, and he has found a home with the team. Minnesota wants to succeed with their roster headlined by Anthony Edwards. He will need a strong supporting cast, which is good because players like Randle, Jaden McDaniels, and Naz Reid are all standing out.

Crazy but true:

The Timberwolves have won 25 of the last 30 games that Julius Randle has played in. pic.twitter.com/O1k5NAvz5R

— The Lead (@TheLeadSM) April 27, 2025

This is a dangerous team to play against because they can explode on offense and lock down on defense. The Timberwolves are one of the most well-rounded teams in the league, and their sixth-seed finish in the 2024-25 regular season should be taken with a pinch of salt because this is a deep team that could potentially make it far in the Playoffs.


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