Prior to his foot injury in January, he had been known for several seasons as a 6-foot-10 power forward/center who can play solid defense, help on the boards and shoot a respectab

The Lakers face elimination Wednesday night when hosting Minnesota, their inability to close quarters, especially the final one, a problem that needs correction.

The Timberwolves went home to Minnesota and completed their mission, sweeping both Games 3 and 4 from the Lakers and putting L.A.'s back firmly against the wall with a 3-1 deficit in their opening-round series in the Western Conference playoffs.