The Los Angeles Lakers went into Minnesota and took a 20 point second half lead over the Timberwolves, but needed a buzzer beater to hold on to the win.

Check out the Los Angeles Lakers vs the Miami Heat game players' stats and box scores on November 2 at Crypto Arena.

That said, a 40-year-old LeBron James will miss the Lakers' opener against the Warriors. The four-time league MVP and four-time NBA champ is dealing with sciatica and is reportedly eying a mid-November return. James' early-season absence could set the stage for the beginning of a Dončić MVP campaign.

Lakers rookie Adou Thiero was cleared this week for live on-court contact work as part of his rehabilitation from left knee surgery.