The Lakers’ 2024-25 season officially ended Wednesday night. Los Angeles lost 103-96 to the Minnesota Timber Wolves in Game 5 of the first round matchup.
This is the second straight postseason where the Lakers had their first round exit. Prior to Game 5, Lakers’ JJ Reddick was asked about his decision to make a zero replacement in the second half of Game 4. Redick violated a reporter who asked him about his strategy and attacked him. Brian Windhorst went to ESPN’s wake Thursday morning and said Redick had acted “childishly” at a press conference before the match.
JJ Reddick needs to reevaluate how he coached this postseason in Los Angeles
Brian Windhorst says JJ Redick coached in a very immature way
“Reggie Miller said last night that JJ had been acting frankly in childish terms and that he had to try and calm him down at a pre-match meeting.”
(h/t @awfulannounce ))pic.twitter.com/ftsmy9c7hw
– nbacentral (@thedunkcentral) May 1, 2025
JJ Redick is back to all the major issues after breaking out from his pre-game press conference on Wednesday night. The Lakers have no player worth starting from center since trading Anthony Davis. Later in the season it was a major flaw for Los Angeles. Los Angeles had a deal with Hornets’ Mark Williams, but it was last minute. Who knows if Williams helped the Lakers?
In Game 4 on Sunday, Lakers head coach JJ Redick played the same five players in all 24 minutes of the second half. This is the first time in NBA history that the same five players have been used in half of the game. Reddick was heavily criticized for the move and was asked about his decision at a pre-match press conference. The first year head coach was attacked by questions and was exposed to a storm.
JJ got mad pic.twitter.com/xldsh1g8ns
– nbacentral (@thedunkcentral) May 1, 2025
Brian Windhorst of ESPN said Redick acted “childishly.” He even said TNT broadcaster Reggie Miller had to try and calm Redick down. Redick let him share his pre-match comments, which influenced the way he coached. Los Angeles wiped out 4-1 for the Timberwolves in the first round. The top priority for the Lakers this offseason this offseason is to get a big guy who can boost his roster.