The Los Angeles Lakers felt their defense crack tonight. The Timberwolves, led by a late flurry from Anthony Edwards, successfully defended their home floor to take a 2-1 advantage. But Ant-Man’s heroics only put the seal on the game. The Wolves’ Jaden McDaniels inflicted critical damage to the Lakers, capitalizing on their weakness. Since Anthony Davis’ departure, their defense has stunningly improved momentarily. But JJ Redick is realizing how an off night could severely wound them.
After Davis’ departure, the Lakers never signed a true center. The Mark Williams trade was rescinded, leaving only Jaxson Hayes as the option. Initially, the former Pelicans center did well with his burst and energy. However, the Wolves made sure to ensure the reality. Without a shot blocker, they had a free pass to the rim.
In his presser, Redick didn’t hesitate to admit, “The fact is we don’t have quote unquote rim protection. So if you give a blow by, we’re going to give up something. We’re going to give up a three or we’re going to give up a shot at the rim by him,”. The Timberwolves scored 56 points in the paint tonight, a 30-point advantage in that category.
They exploited the Lakers’ poor length. Hayes is tall, but isn’t recognized as a rim protector by any means. So McDaniels attacked early, and Edwards took over late in the game. The 24-year-old had an awful outing, playing just 8 minutes and recording a -13 net differential in that span.
Mar 24, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick looks on against the Orlando Magic in the second quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Redick is still backing his center. “We will look at everything but still believe in Jaxson,” he told the media. But that belief comes with a caveat. The Lakers’ defense is either going to be extremely effective or it’s going to fall apart. In the good times, Redick doesn’t think there are many problems.
“Think it’s just we’ve done it all year. When we’ve been at our best, we have been able to be physical on the ball and not a lot of blow bys and also have sort of a cover mentality, multiple effort. And it was there at times tonight. Our guys they exerted a lot of effort. They played with heart,” he said.
But without a defensive anchor like Anthony Davis surveying the paint, if the defense gives open lanes, it leaves the Lakers wide open. It’s a highly risky tactic to bank on. But it’s go big or go home. With all the resources he has, maybe JJ Redick thinks this is the best exchange.
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