Pau Gasol grabbed 17 rebounds against Minnesota
The Lakers' big man out-rebounded Kevin Love Reuters

The Lakers extended their winning streak to five games, with a 90-79 victory over the Timberwolves at Target Center, but it had little to do with their ability to hit shots.

The Lakers shot just 37.5 percent from the field, but got a big night from the free throw line, as well as a strong rebounding performance from Pau Gasol, who brought down 17 boards.

The Lakers were excellent from the free-throw line, making 23-of-25 shots. They needed such a performance from the charity stripe, after a poor shooting night from the field.

The Wolves weren't exactly burning the nets either, shooting just 39.7 percent from the field.

Usually it's the Timberwolves' Kevin Love who has a big rebounding night, but not tonight. On an evening where neither team shot well, Love fell below his season-rebounding average of 15.5, with a total of 11. Love shot just two for 10 from the field.

Kobe Bryant scored 21 points on eight-for-18 shooting.

Wesley Johnson led the Timberwolves with 20 points, and also added eight rebounds.

This is a particularly tough stretch for the Wolves. They have lost eight of their last nine games.

The Lakers improved their season record to 43-19, while the Timberwolves dropped to 14-47.