Let's Get Physical, James Urges Lakers

He reckons that's what they need to counter stronger, bigger Timberwolves in Game 2

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LOS ANGELES — Outworked and outplayed by the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1, the Los Angeles Lakers know they must find some toughness if they are to bounce back in the first round of the National Basketball Association (NBA) playoffs — while the league hopes LA's biggest stars stick around long enough to boost viewing figures.

LeBron James and Luka Doncic are still a long way from a shocking exit but, while the Lakers did not press the panic button after their 117-95 Western Conference mauling at home on April 19, they know they are battling a team with superior strength, speed and size.

The teams remain in Los Angeles for Game 2, the best-of-seven series on April 22 (April 23, Singapore time).

"When you play the Minnesota team, you got to be physical," James said. "That's what they bring to the table.

"So maybe it took us one playoff game to now get a feel for the type of intensity, the type of physicality that's going to be brought to the game, but that's just the way they play."