The Los Angeles Lakers are set to start their playoff run against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round. After finishing the regular season 50-32 and 3rd in the Western Conference, the Lakers are looking to go deep. Before Game 1 on Saturday night in LA, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin gave us some clarity on the roster.
Two-Way Players Stay With the Team, But Won’t Play
According to McMenamin, two-way players Trey Jemison III and Christian Koloko will not be converted to full NBA contracts before the playoffs so they won’t be able to play. But they will be practicing with the team and will be with the group for the playoff run.
“A team source told ESPN the Lakers liked the chemistry of the group during the regular season and wanted to keep that together for the playoffs,” McMenamin reported. So they’re keeping the group together.
Contributions from Jemison III and Koloko
Neither will play in the playoffs but their regular season contributions were nice. Christian Koloko played in 37 games, 2.4 points and 2.5 rebounds per game, 60.6% FG. He was a reliable option off the bench when needed.
Trey Jemison III played in 16 games, 2.4 points and 2.8 rebounds per game, 46.9% FG. He brought energy and physicality in limited minutes.
Lakers vs. Timberwolves Playoff Schedule
Lakers host Timberwolves for Game 1 at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday, April 19 at 8:30 PM ET on ABC. The series will continue with the following schedule:
- Game 2: Tuesday, April 22 | 10:00 PM ET (TNT)
- Game 3: Friday, April 25 | 9:30 PM ET (ESPN)
- Game 4: Sunday, April 27 | 3:30 PM ET (ABC)
If necessary, Games 5, 6, and 7 will take place on:
Game 7: Sunday, May 4
Game 5: Wednesday, April 30
Game 6: Friday, May 2
Can the Lakers go deep?
Lakers are coming off a first round exit against the Denver Nuggets last season. With LeBron and AD leading the way, expectations are high for a deeper run. Coach JJ Redick has been talking about building team chemistry and keeping Jemison III and Koloko around even if they can’t play shows the organization is committed to that.
Timberwolves with Anthony Edwards and KAT will be tough, but the Lakers’ experience and star power might give them the edge in what should be a fun series.