The Los Angeles Lakers’ 2024 playoff run came to a bitter end with a 103–96 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of the first round. Despite being competitive late in each of the last four games, the Lakers failed to execute down the stretch in three of them, ultimately sealing their elimination.
A major talking point throughout the series was the decision to bench starting center Jaxson Hayes in favor of a smaller lineup. Hayes played under 10 minutes in each of the first four games and was not used at all in the decisive Game 5.
After the loss, head coach JJ Redick addressed the controversial move.
“There’s always a trade-off,” Redick said. “We couldn’t score. So there’s a trade-off to everything.”
Redick’s choice to prioritize offensive spacing may have backfired. The Lakers were outmuscled on the boards throughout the series, and in Game 5, they had no answer for Rudy Gobert, who dominated with 27 points and 24 rebounds.
Ultimately, Los Angeles was outmatched in size and bench depth. The team often appeared fatigued late in games, leading to poor shot selection and a lack of execution. Meanwhile, Minnesota capitalized with superior hustle and control on both ends of the floor.
The Lakers now face an uncertain offseason, with LeBron James’ future once again in question. Whether he returns or not, Redick and the front office will need to rethink the roster construction if they hope to build a contender around Luka Doncic — and potentially James — next season.