With LeBron James missing his third straight game due to an elbow injury, the chemistry between Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves was on full display Tuesday night during the Los Angeles Lakers' 120-106 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Don’t blink…the Lakers are in fourth place in the West. They look good defensively, They’ve won six of their last seven games. Deandre Ayton even has been a difference-maker. Could the Lakers be turning things around?

On a charge up the Western Conference standings, the Los Angeles Lakers will be out to continue their momentum with a visit from the Chicago Bulls on Thursday.

This is the second straight game the Lakers defense looked better and they got a win against a quality opponent.

The Lakers overcame a bad start to earn their third win in a row and their sixth in their last seven games.

Why are Lakers playing better defense? Who is fueling their progress? Coach JJ Redick and the Lakers discuss their progress after a win over Minnesota.

Minnesota Timberwolves at Los Angeles Lakers Game Preview

The Los Angeles Lakers are currently in the midst of their toughest stretch of the season. Starting last Thursday in Denver, nine of their next 11 games were against playoff teams with six of eight against teams currently bunched up with them in the Western Conference standings.