There are just a few days to go before the Los Angeles Lakers begin their quest for their 18th NBA championship with Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. It will be the first time since 2012 that they have begun a playoff series at Crypto.

The Lakers and Timberwolves are set to clash in what’s shaping up to be one of the most compelling playoff series in the Western Conference.

When it comes to the Lakers, the roster as a whole has been solid around Doncic and James. In the first-round matchup against the Timberwolves, there is one player who has to step up. Rich Paul spoke out about the series and revealed that Austin Reaves is the X-Factor Los Angeles needs to play at a high level.