Jaden McDaniels may identify key weaknesses for La Lakers and write about disasters for them in this series.
The Los Angeles Lakers lost a heartbreaking Game 1 to the Minnesota Timber Wolves. It was an unexpected loss, especially for the Lakers playing at home.
NBA fans were shocked to see the Lakers play so disastrously against the Timberwolves. The Lakers joined the game as a favorite, but after the game began it looked like the underdog.
JJ Reddick believes the Lakers are confused by the physicality of the Timberwolves. Given the 22-point deficit, it is a completely accurate rating.
However, the Timberwolves appear to be caught up in one of the Lakers’ biggest weaknesses, and may be a major flaw they head towards this series.
Read more: What Anthony Edwards actually says to his Minnesota Timberwolves teammate before the La Lakers series
Jaden McDaniels never won the Timberwolves beat the Lakers. He noted that the Lakers definitely have a size issue.
McDaniels pointed to minutes where center Jackson Hayes sat on the bench and claimed that the Lakers didn’t have the size to compete with him.
“If (Jaxson Hayes) isn’t there, I’m basically the tallest person. I don’t think anyone can protect me because Jaxson Hayes wasn’t in court.”
The Lakers are not a small team. However, a lack of depth at the central location can prove to hurt them.
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JJ Redick has ears everywhere and has definitely heard these comments. Perhaps it’s time for him to have a conversation with Jackson Hayes and prepare to play for a few minutes.
Hayes recently blew away the idea of playing against Rudy Goatbert.
Allowing Hayes to play big hours and swap him for LeBron James, who plays with five, could be a solution to the Lakers’ size issues.
Alex Wren was signed to play in that position, but his performance for the Lakers was awful.
The Lakers need to address a bigger issue here. Regardless of their performance in the playoffs, the Lakers will need to acquire great capabilities in the offseason to improve this team.