The La Lakers launched a playoff series with the Minnesota Timberwolves on a home loss.
The Minnesota Timberwolves surprised the LA Lakers in Game 1 of the Playoffs Series, winning 117-95.
Due to the Lakers’ loss, the Timberwolves overtook them at both ends of the courthouse and dumped the gauntlet for the rest of the series.
Luka Doncic excelled with 37 points in his Lakers’ playoff debut, but neither LeBron James (19 points) nor Austin Reeves (17) could advance.
La Lakers legend and former team executive Magic Johnson gave his verdict on the Lakers’ defeat and called for head coach.
JJ Reddick was coaching his first playoff game, and Johnson believes he failed to make the necessary changes when the coach was poor and the game was against them.
Johnson wrote to X:
“The Lakers got up on their offense and played too many one-on-one basketball and didn’t make the necessary adjustments.”
He added: “Tonight was one of the Lakers’ worst performances this season. They were flat, lacking energy and played like a regular season game.”
Magic Johnson also gave the Minnesota Timberwolves credibility and selected two players who were impressed by Naz Reed and former Laker Julius Randle.
He said: “Naz Reed, a guy who’s always playing well with the Lakers, scored 23 points off the bench tonight. Julius Randle added 15 points and did his job defensively against LeBron.”
After the game, Naz Reid praised Anthony Edwards for his victory and praised his leadership.
There was a surprising response from fans to the results, and some hoped the Lakers would get stronger in Game 2 of the series.
There is pressure on JJ Reddick to turn the Lakers’ fortune, especially after the magical Johnson shines the spotlight on him.