“The Lakers are not foolish.” That’s what JJ Redick remarked following the acquisition of Luka Doncic. Now, the Lakers have looked like a different beast—smoother offense, sharper decision-making, and that late-game poise they’d been missing. They’ve gone 7-2 since the deal, flashing instant chemistry. Much of that success comes down to Luka’s leadership and insane basketball IQ. Following the Lakers’ Game 1 meltdown against the Timberwolves, Mavericks GM Nico Harrison’s emphasis on defense resonates more than ever.
Harrison, in February 2023, emphasized a defense-first approach, stating, “I believe that defense wins championships,” as reported by ESPN. Ever since trading Anthony Davis, the Lakers’ rim protection has been basically nonexistent. They didn’t just lose Game 1, they got outworked, outmuscled, and straight-up out-hustled. Their defense appeared sluggish, particularly in rotations and closeouts, constantly a step behind as Minnesota buried 21 threes. That killer instinct on defense? It just wasn’t there when they needed it most. Now, with the defense in shambles, has Harrison found an ally for his opinion?
Recently, on an episode of Run It Back on Fan Duel TV, Chandler Parsons, Lou Williams, Michelle Beadle, and DeMarcus Cousins engaged in a conversation about the Lakers’ latest playoff outing with the Timberwolves. Cousins remarked, “You know, as far as Luka, was Nico wrong?” To which Parsons remarked, “Yes, cause he’s in Cancun right now.” To which Cousins remarked, “I mean on the defensive side of the ball.”
Apr 9, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after the game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
When Boogie Cousins asked the question if Nico Harrison was wrong, he was referring to the statements that Harrison made during the Doncic-David trade saga, as the statements made by him are slowly turning true. Harrison said, “But our philosophy, like I said, going forward is defense wins championships, and we’re built on defense. And this trade cements us for that.” This is an age-old philosophy followed by all great coaches and teams, but the defensive lapses from the Lakers make it ring true the loudest.
However, Luka Doncic was on fire offensively. He scored 37 points, tying the record with George Mikan for the second-most points for the Lakers in a postseason outing. But his playmaking ability was rendered inert by the Timberwolves’ defense, registering only one assist. Despite his performance, the defensive woes led to a defeat. Let us see the defensive woes that surround the Lakers.
Despite Luka Doncic’s performance, defensive woes surround the Lakers
The Lakers’ Game 1 loss to the Timberwolves wasn’t just a bad night, it was a full-on defensive collapse. After a solid first quarter where they actually led 28-21, everything unraveled. Minnesota just brought more energy, more physicality, and frankly, looked way more prepared. JJ Redick even admitted that the Lakers weren’t ready to match that level of intensity. That’s not what you want to hear in the playoffs.
Defensively, the Lakers started strong, contesting shots, chasing loose balls—but that didn’t last. As the game wore on, their communication and execution fell apart. Minnesota was getting way too many open looks, especially from deep, hitting 50% of their threes. That’s brutal.
Rebounding was another mess. The Timberwolves crushed the Lakers on the glass and racked up 21 second-chance points. That’s just effort and positioning, basic stuff that LA didn’t bring. And in transition? Minnesota ran them off the floor, scoring 19 fast-break points while the Lakers scrambled to get back, often too late.
The Timberwolves’ bench outscored the Lakers’ bench 43-13. That’s a huge gap. Austin Reaves, who’s usually a reliable energy guy, struggled on both ends, contributing 16 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists. Without that lift from the role players, the starters were left to carry the load unsuccessfully.
Dec 13, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick reacts after his team’s play against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the fourth quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
Size was a problem, too. The Timberwolves just bullied their way inside, scoring more in the paint and grabbing more boards. With no real rim protection, the Lakers had no answer down low. With J.J. Reddick commenting post game, “And really when [the Wolves] started playing with a lot of thrust and physicality, we just didn’t respond to meet that…..I’m not sure physically we were ready, if that makes sense.”
Overall, it was a wake-up call. If the Lakers want to turn this series around, the defense has to tighten up fast. Because right now, Minnesota’s looking like the tougher, sharper, and hungrier team.
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