JJ Reddick was asked about the LA Lakers starter after the team led to a 104-116 loss against the Minnesota Timber Wolves.
It was Lebron James who stepped up to the team with 38 points in the evening as Luka Doncic couldn’t play his best due to a stomach bug.
James’ performance earned him praise even from his opponent Anthony Edwards, who praised the four-time NBA champion for his efforts.
Other players of the Lakers have not been able to break the double digit mark except for Luka Doncic and Lebron James, but this is not a great recipe for success.
With the exception of Jaxson Hayes, all the starters played over 37 minutes, and JJ Redick explained why at his postgame press conference.
Hayes hasn’t surpassed the 10-minute mark for a few minutes he’s played in the series.
Redick didn’t say that directly, but Hayes’ spot as a starter could be troubled after three games.
Speaking about defense at the rim, Redick said: “The fact is that there is no rim protection, you give up on blowby and give up something.
Athletic asked Reddick if he would drop hazes from the starting lineup, but the first-year coach had no definitive answers.
“We see everything, but we still believe in Jackson,” Redick added.
Hayes became the Lakers starter after several impressive performances during the regular season.
Donsic’s arrival helped Hayes primarily as he was able to do a lot offensively with the Slovenians.
However, his efforts on the defensive side have always been a source of concern for the Lakers, and this series has been more exposed than ever before against the Timberwolves.
Edwards had a poster dunk on Hayes, and Lakers players struggled to hold their own paint during the three games.
Even if he’s dropped, the Lakers don’t have a good option for five positions as it’s unlikely that Alex Wren will get off to the start.
That’s the main source of concern for the team, but Reddick says the Lakers are fighting this issue all year round and can get better by supporting their teammates defensively.
The Timberwolves are the length aspect, and it seems difficult for Redick to call on Hayes to be taken out of the lineup, as purple and gold can be powered if they do that.