Let’s not sugarcoat it.
The Los Angeles Lakers just got bullied on their own floor in Game 1. Final score? 117–95. At one point? Down 30. In the playoffs. At home. Against a Timberwolves team that didn’t just win — they asserted dominance. This wasn’t just a loss. This was a powerful statement from Minnesota.
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ bigs were too much for the Los Angeles Lakers—period.
Naz Reid. Rudy Gobert. Jaden McDaniels. Julius Randle. That four-man wrecking crew was just too much for a Lakers frontcourt that’s clearly undermanned since the Anthony Davis trade. And no, the guys who stepped up—or tried to—weren’t enough.
The Lakers started Jaxson Hayes at center. He played 8 minutes, scored 1 point, and looked overwhelmed. Alex Len gave them 3 minutes off the bench. Jarred Vanderbilt logged 14 minutes, and while he hustled, he’s undersized and not a true rim presence.
Markieff Morris didn’t play. Rui Hachimura, despite playing 30 minutes, only scored 9 points. That’s your big rotation. That’s what’s trying to stand up to Gobert and Co. It’s not enough. Not even close.
JJ Redick sees the problem; LeBron James sees something else
Head coach JJ Redick came out postgame and called it what it was: they got pushed around. His focus heading into Game 2? Size. Physicality. Rethink the starting five. He sees the mismatch, and he knows you don’t win a playoff series by hoping it magically gets better.
LeBron? He stayed calm. Talked about “controlling the controllables.” That’s veteran code for: don’t panic, clean up the execution, and stay the course. He wants to stick with the group, tighten things up, and move forward without shaking the core.
So, which path wins out? JJ wants change. LeBron wants trust. Here’s the number that matters. Of 459 NBA playoff series with a 2–0 lead, the team up 2–0 has won 425 times. That’s 92.6%. Only 7.4% of teams have ever climbed out of that hole. And if the Lakers lose Game 2, it’s even worse than that stat.
And if the Lakers lose Game 2, it’s even worse than that stat. They’ll have lost both games at home, and Games 3 and 4? They’re in Minnesota, where the Wolves are longer, stronger, and now riding all the momentum.
The Lakers aren’t just short on wins —they’re short on answers. Their bigs aren’t equipped. The rotation isn’t working. And once you're down 0–2, you don't just need adjustments — you need a miracle.
The Lakers should trust Redick over LeBron
LeBron is a legendary leader, no question. He led Cleveland once from a 3-1 deficit against the 73-9 Warriors to a championship.
JJ Redick sees what needs to change. He’s the coach, and his gut is telling him the truth. Play the Lakers' bigs, even if they are weaker, but they might slow the Wolves down. Meanwhile, attack their court with Bron, AR, and Doncic.
If the Lakers don’t go big in Game 2, there won’t be a Game 6 to worry about. You can’t lead a team to the promised land if you’re already buried by Game 3. There is no time for small ball now - that is a strategy for a deeper playoff run.