Despite holding the higher seed, home-court advantage, and featuring LeBron James and Luka Dončić, the Los Angeles Lakers now face a 3-1 deficit in their first-round matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves, following a 113-116 loss on Sunday.
While all that makes it sound like an upset, this was foretold after the Lakers traded Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks for Doncic. There was an obvious lack of size on the team, evidenced by the aggressive manner in which they pursued just about every available or potentially available big man in the league.
Los Angeles Lakers Can’t Go Big Against the Timberwolves
Lakers center Jaxson Hayes’ limited role in the series exemplifies this issue. In Game 4, Hayes played only four minutes, picked up two fouls, and did not return. While coach J.J. Redick’s preference for a smaller lineup is understandable, given Hayes’ struggles (averaging under 10 minutes per game), it proves difficult to execute against a team with the Timberwolves’ size and physicality.
Even when the Timberwolves play “small,” they maintain a significant size advantage. Players like Naz Reid, who has been particularly effective in fourth quarters, and Julius Randle have consistently challenged the Lakers. Anthony Edwards’ size for a shooting guard further exacerbates the Lakers’ defensive challenges. The Timberwolves have also demonstrated their size advantage by winning the rebounding battle in two of their victories and tying in the third game. Unfortunately for the Lakers, they cannot acquire additional size before Game 5.
Lakers Have Always Lacked Depth
Even before the Doncic trade, the Lakers struggled when their stars were off the court. This is a direct contrast to Minnesota.
The Timberwolves’ depth is a key factor in their success. They boast three players coming off the bench—Naz Reid, Donte DiVincenzo, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker—who possess starting-caliber talent. Reid has been exceptionally efficient in the fourth quarter, shooting 9-of-10 from the field and 6-of-6 from three, resulting in a remarkable 119.5% true shooting percentage. DiVincenzo showcased his defensive prowess with five steals in Game 4, while Alexander-Walker consistently provides strong perimeter defense. The Timberwolves’ eight-man playoff rotation is exceptionally strong.
In contrast, the Lakers’ reliance on a limited number of players is placing an immense burden on their key contributors. In Game 4, LeBron James and Luka Doncic each played 46 minutes, Rui Hachimura and Dorian Finney-Smith played 41 minutes, and Austin Reaves played 35 minutes. This heavy workload, particularly for the 40-year-old James, will likely take an increasing toll as the series progresses.