JJ Redick only trusted five men. In a crucial game, trailing 2-1 in the first round to the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Los Angeles Lakers head coach could only bank on five players of his team to play.
Redick caught a lot of heat for his coaching decision in Game 4 of the series that would doom the Lakers. It was the first time since tracking in the NBA that a coach played the same five players for an entire second half in the playoffs.
It was a puzzling decision. There is no doubt about that. However, the frustration and confusion of fans and media alike was misplaced. That should have been bestowed upon Rob Pelinka.
Lakers' roster crying out for extra depth in offseason reset
Anyone following the Lakers throughout the 2024-25 NBA season could have told you their rotations would have quickly thinned once the postseason rolled around. The Lakers claimed the third seed in spite of the depth on their roster.
What made it hauntingly bad and scary in the NBA Playoffs was a couple of usual contributors delivering well below what was expected of them.
Jaxson Hayes, who featured himself as a satisfactory stopgap option at the center spot throughout the regular season, was played out of the rotation very quickly. Hayes only played 7.8 minutes minutes a night in his four appearances, averaging 1.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.0 personal fouls, while connecting on 37.5 percent of his shots.
The jarring reason as to why Redick was forced to turn away from the athletic center was surely his inability to defend without fouling. 2.0 personal fouls per game may not seem like a lot at first. However, when adjusting his averages for Per 36 numbers, Hayes would have posted 9.4 personal fouls. That is far from ideal from the player who is supposed to be defending your rim.
Gabe Vincent, who has proven to be a streaky shooter over the past, chose a very inopportune time to be on a cold streak from the field. The Lakers guard averaged 2.8 points per game, shooting 35.7 percent from the field and 30.8 percent on his triples.
These two major factors quickly left Redick in tough positions like the second half of Game 4. With the season teetering in the balance, there was no comfort in trusting anyone but the five he rolled out.
Pelinka, fresh off a brand-new contract extension, should be well aware of the roster holes that need to be filled. The Lakers general manager hit the nail on the head with two of them at the exit-interviews following the premature playoff exit.
Pelinka told Jovan Buha that Los Angeles will be looking to add frontcourt help and defensive help on the wings. Both of those areas of need should put the Lakers, and Redick, in a much better spot for next season's championship push.