It won’t be the magical year the Purple and gold expected. In a shocking turn of events, the Minnesota Timberwolves, led by Rudy Gobert’s interior dominance, vanquished the Lakers in five games. This marks their second straight first-round exit as the Luka Doncic mid-season trade doesn’t translate to any glory. However, there was maybe another decision by Rob Pelinka and the Lakers that left them exposed during the series against the Wolves.
The Timberwolves were +16 points in the paint today, led by the French center’s incessant attack near the rim. The Lakers were forced to play small due to the ineffective impact Jaxson Hayes had throughout the series. That goes back a few months. The Lakers had a chance to give Luka Doncic an ideal center.
The Hornets’ Mark Williams was practically a Laker before a failed physical led to the trade being rescinded. After having gauged their upsetting postseason, in the Inside the NBA crew, the athletic center could have changed the landscape of this series.
“In Dallas, his game hasn’t changed but what he did have is Lively back there. That’s what they were expecting Mark Williams to be. The lob catcher, the rim protector when guys are able to drive out. Because the trade off is you might get 20 but Luka might get 40,” Kenny Smith explained.
Jan 24, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (5) holds the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second quarter at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
Hayes did supply as a lob threat with Doncic and other Lakers playmakers running the show. However, he dims when it comes to the rim protection. Mark Williams is a stellar athlete who combines both those aspects as a rising center in the league. Furthermore, having a versatile big man unlocks the entirety of Luka Doncic’s game, opening up decoy plays and passes to the rim.
As the Lakers didn’t have that protection, the Timberwolves took advantage. Over the entire series, the Wolves averaged 15 more points in the paint because JJ Redick couldn’t use Hayes for great minutes. And although there were other reasons, the unguarded paint is where the Wolves feasted the most.
Lakers fans lose it after playoff loss to the Timberwolves
Without question, the Lakers were disappointed in the way their postseason ended. But the Laker Nation was besides themselves. They were utterly disappointed with the display the Lakers put up during the series. “Worst Lakers playoff showing I have ever seen. Massive L. No effort. No heart. Awful,” one fan wrote.
In terms of effort, the Lakers kept trying to dig into the Timberwolves. But as mentioned, they lacked the personnel to get the job done. Their small-ball lineups might have improved their shooting prowess. But the sacrifice came in their poor rebounding which allowed 18.5 second chance points per game.
Other fans though seem to be over the LeBron James era in LA. “The torch has been passed and LeBron can let it go. Let the Lakers go into their next generation with Luka leading,” a fan mentioned.
The speculations are running wild as to what James’ future holds. He does have an option to continue next season. But will it be in LA? As a second option, James did have a decent series, averaging 25.4 points and 5.6 assists per game. However, with Doncic now assuming his role of controlling the tempo, fans seem to think it’s time to move ahead.
As for the major question, even the Laker Nation recognized how Mark Williams would have changed this series. One fan even said “This failed trade really ended our season”. What’s worse is that Williams has been watching closely. Right after their Game 5 loss, the Hornets center posted an Instagram story that seemed to be a taunt towards the Lakers.
As for the rest, they were left stunned. “How do you have the 2 best players in the league and still lose in the first round?” one comment read, referring to the LeBron James-Luka Doncic tandem. In hindsight, the duo did lead the charge, combining for close to 56 points per game. This series though, was a matchup problem.
The Timberwolves are stacked with slashers who can break through the perimeter at will. The likes of Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle, and McDaniels did so all season long. Without an established center, they barely had to face any resistance at the rim. This loss for the Lakers was a reminder.
Even with an incredible cast, the need for a complete roster is pivotal during the playoffs. Every small error can get magnified if teams recognise a weakness. Hence, it’s likely that the Lakers make major changes going into next season. If you were to pick, which player would you like seeing don the jersey?
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