Both the Minnesota Timberwolves and Charlotte Hornets may be without one of their star players in Saturday night's matchup.

A Minnesota Timberwolves trade idea would land an explosive Los Angeles Lakers star as their new starting point guard.

The Minnesota Timberwolves hit the road to face the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday after a tough 116-115 loss to the Lakers. Sitting at a 2-3 record, the Wolves are still trying to find their rhythm early in the season.

The Hornets entered the game with a back-to-back looming, playing the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday and the Utah Jazz on Sunday. Star guard LaMelo Ball was questionable headed in; however, the guard ended up being cleared and started for the Buzz.

Defense and point guard play are two major issues for the Wolves, who lost to a Lakers team missing LeBron James and Luka Dončić.

We have our standard, we have our defense. We know where we’re supposed to be. It’s not supposed to be rocket science in any sort of way.”

Former Timberwolves second-round pick and reserve forward Josh Minott, who could never truly crack the rotation in Minnesota, is now seizing an opportunity and breaking out as a starter with the Boston Celtics early in the 2025-26 season.

The Los Angeles Lakers entered Wednesday’s matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves undermanned yet determined to extend their early-season momentum. Without LeBron James, Luka Doncic and several veterans, head coach JJ Redick relied on his younger rotation to keep the offense moving.