The Los Angeles Lakers are in trouble after losing Game 4 to the Minnesota Timberwolves and falling behind 3-1 in the first round series. The game was close but poor decisions and missed opportunities hurt the Lakers.
Coach JJ Redick stuck with the same 5 players the entire 2nd half and fatigue set in and they blew a 10 point lead going into the 4th quarter. And to make matters worse a crucial missed call at the end of the game (acknowledged by the NBA in their official 2 minute report) denied Luka Doncic a chance to put the Lakers up from the free throw line.
Now the Lakers are in a do or die situation in Game 5 at Crypto.com Arena. With their backs against the wall Redick had a blunt message for his team during a media session on April 29.
“I would describe us as ‘on edge’ as we should be,” Redick said, per Mike Trudell of Spectrum. “We have to play with a sense of desperation.”
LeBron James’ Heroics Aren’t Enough
LeBron James has been incredible in this series but it’s not enough to carry the Lakers over the top. Over the first 4 games he’s averaging 26.3 points, 9.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists. He’s still 40.
In Games 3 and 4 he’s taken it up a notch. 38 points in each game and contributing on both ends of the floor. In Game 4 he added 12 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 blocks and 3 steals and made several big defensive plays down the stretch. But a costly turnover at the end of the game sealed the Lakers fate and gave the Timberwolves the win and the series lead.
Luka Doncic: The Key to a Comeback
If the Lakers are going to make a miracle comeback Luka Doncic will have to be the one to do it. Despite being sick in Game 3 Doncic has been the team’s leading scorer averaging 30.8 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists over the first 4 games. He’s scored 30+ in 3 of those games and has shown he can take over when needed.
But, Doncic’s impact hasn’t been just scoring. His playmaking and leadership has kept the Lakers in it even when the odds are against them. For the Lakers to force a Game 6 and potentially a Game 7 they’ll need Doncic to take it up another level and be the spark for the turnaround.
Can the Lakers Come Back?
Winning three in a row against a younger, more athletic Timberwolves team is no easy feat, especially with the Lakers’ roster and reliance on old stars like James and Doncic. But history shows teams down 3-1 are not out of it. A sense of urgency and desperation can bring out performances no one expected and Redick is trying to get that into his team.
Game 5 at home is the Lakers’ chance to extend the series and get some momentum. But, they’ll need everyone not just James and Doncic to win. Role players gotta step up and the coaching staff gotta make smarter rotations to not burn out the starters.
What’s Next for the Lakers?
For the Lakers it’s simple: win Game 5 and put the pressure back on Minnesota. If Redick’s message gets to his players they could turn their desperation into a gritty, inspired performance on Wednesday.
But time is running out and the margin for error is slim. Will Redick’s words light a fire under the Lakers or will the Timberwolves close it out? Only time will tell.
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