Oct 10, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) goofs around with his son guard Bronny James (9) during warm ups before their game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images / Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

As the Los Angeles Lakers gear up for their NBA season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves, LeBron James will lead the team, but the Lakers will be without three crucial players.

Do the Minnesota Timerwolves have a realistic shot at winning the NBA title this season? Here is the case made for and against.

As much of a defensive force as Rudy Gobert can be, Anthony Davis dominates the Timberwolves, and we expect the same to ring true tonight on the way to a victory for Los Angeles. Before a 12-minute performance in April, the four prior times Davis faced Minnesota he did not score fewer than 31 points and shot an astounding 59% from the field.