Lakers kept promise LeBron James made in Game 2 vs. Timberwolves

Everyone on the Los Angeles Lakers knew that Game 1 loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves was a disappointment. There was one persistent theme regarding the theme that was loud enough for anyone to hear.

"We were mentally ready, ... I'm not sure, physically, we were ready," JJ Redick told the media of the Game 1 loss. "When they started playing with a lot of thrust and physicality, we just didn't respond immediately to that."

Luka Doncic was singing a similar tune. The Lakers superstar also thought the team needed to be 'more physical' after the Game 1 loss.

Dorian Finney-Smith delivered that same message. LeBron James was in agreement. The four-time NBA champion even promised they would be more prepared for that physicality in Game 2. The Lakers lived up to James' confident words.

Lakers set the tone for Game 2 win

Game 2 became a spirited contest very quickly. Both teams were racking up a lot of fouls in the early goings of the ball game.

The Lakers made it very clear they would not be getting bullied in this contest. As a result of their conscious efforts from the start, they built a comfortable lead in the game that grew as large as 22 at one point.

Los Angeles would have a counterpunch consistently for Minnesota. The Timberwolves certainly made their pushes throughout the game to narrow the margin, but the Lakers closed them out in a hard-fought 94-85 win.

The modest to poor shooting numbers from this game showcased the kind of scrappy affair it was. The Lakers shot 45.3 percent from the field and 20.7 percent from beyond the arc, while the Timberwolves finished with only 38.0 percent from the field and 20.0 percent from triple.

The 22 fouls committed by Minnesota, and the 24 fouls charged to the Lakers may not actually do this game justice in terms of the body blows that were handed out in each direction. It was amazing the referees managed to rein both teams in from any major extracurriculars.

James told reporters after the game that yesterday at practice was when he knew the Lakers would have the 'requisite response' to the Game 1 beatdown.

"We had a tough practice yesterday," LeBron said. "We went at it yesterday. [It was] one of the best practices we've had all year. We kind of knew coming out of that what type of disposition we had to play with. ... We're all competitors, so that's what it took."

James continued to prove just how great of a leader the four-time Finals MVP is. The effort that the Lakers had all night was fueled by the 40-year-old and his intensity.

"I'm one of the guys that if I'm going to talk about it, I'm actually going to do it as well," said the Lakers superstar. "I think that's a great way to be able to hold yourself accountable. You can't ask of your teammates ... [to] do these things ... if you're not going to do it."

After expending all that effort, James and the Lakers will get an opportunity to rest for a few nights before, hopefully, bringing the same level of competitiveness into a road game for Game 3 on Friday.