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Austin Reaves might have to shoulder an incredible workload for the LA Lakers, who could miss up to seven players against the Minnesota Timberwolves. LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Adou Thiero, Maxi Kleber and Gabe Vincent are stapled for the time being. Marcus Smart and Jaxson Hayes could join them again. The duo is questionable and likely game-time decisions.Smart is dealing with a right quad contusion. He missed Monday's loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. Meanwhile, Hayes is dealing with left patellar tendinopathy and has missed three consecutive games.As for the Lakers' injury report staples, the latest update on James suggests that he is sidelined until mid-November due to sciatica. Meanwhile, Doncic would miss at least a week from Sunday with a left finger sprain and a left lower leg contusion he sustained against the Timberwolves on Sunday.Kleber was reportedly out for two weeks from opening night due to an abdominal muscle strain, while Vincent will miss the next two to four weeks from Monday with a left ankle sprain. Rookie Thiero remains without an update for now.The Lakers missed all seven players in Monday's 122-108 home loss to the Trail Blazers. It took a massive toll, especially on Austin Reaves, who was the lone ball handler and playmaker available, playing on the second night of a back-to-back.While he scored 41 points and had five assists, Portland managed to force eight turnovers against the breakout star, who is averaging 35.4 points in four games. The Timberwolves don't have the point-of-attack presence on defense to limit Reaves, so the turnovers shouldn't be a problem on Wednesday.However, fatigue is an issue. LA will hope that Marcus Smart returns as he can shoulder the playmaking and ball-handling burden when Austin Reaves is off the court.The LA Lakers tried relying on Bronny James and Nick Smith Jr. against Portland, but it didn't yield favorable results for the Purple and Gold.How to watch Austin Reaves and LA Lakers in action vs. Minnesota Timberwolves?ESPN will nationally televise the LA Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves game. Spectrum SportsNet and FanDuel Sports Network North will provide local TV coverage. Fans can also stream the game online via NBA League Pass and Fubo.
