Overview
- The Los Angeles Lakers, under first-year head coach JJ Redick, are down 3–1 to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
- Redick abruptly exited a pregame media session after being questioned about his substitution patterns and perceived inexperience, highlighting the pressure on him ahead of Game 5.
- NBA veteran Marcus Morris publicly criticized Redick’s strategies, including his handling of defensive matchups against Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards, and suggested he could coach the team better.
- Redick’s decision to keep the starting five on the court for the entire second half of Game 4 has drawn scrutiny, especially after the Lakers lost the game 116–113.
- Despite strong performances from LeBron James and Luka Doncic, inconsistent contributions from role players have been a key factor in the Lakers’ struggles.