The Los Angeles Lakers entered the 2025 playoffs with championship aspirations, however their Recreation 1 efficiency in opposition to the Minnesota Timberwolves shortly dampened that optimism.
The purple and gold appeared overmatched on their dwelling court docket, struggling a humiliating 117-95 defeat that raised critical questions on their playoff readiness.
The blowout loss prompted an uncharacteristically pointed response from Lakers legend Magic Johnson, who sometimes provides extra measured commentary about his former crew.
This time, nonetheless, the Corridor of Famer didn’t mince phrases when addressing what he noticed as elementary issues.
“Coach JJ Redick did an awesome job all season however he didn’t do job for Recreation 1. The Lakers stood round on offense, performed an excessive amount of one-on-one basketball, and he didn’t make any mandatory changes,” Johnson wrote on X.
Coach JJ Redick did an awesome job all season however he didn’t do job for Recreation 1. The Lakers stood round on offense, performed an excessive amount of one-on-one basketball, and he didn’t make any mandatory changes.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 20, 2025
Magic’s frustration mirrored what Lakers followers witnessed through the disappointing collapse.
Los Angeles really began robust, constructing a promising 28-21 lead after the primary quarter. However that benefit shortly evaporated as Minnesota seized management and by no means appeared again.
The Timberwolves’ scorching taking pictures and balanced assault overwhelmed the Lakers, who had been outscored by a staggering 96-67 margin over the ultimate three quarters.
This end result was significantly stunning contemplating the Lakers entered because the No. 3 seed with each LeBron James and Luka Dončić obtainable and the good thing about enjoying at dwelling.
The shocking defeat has dramatically shifted the sequence dynamics.
Recreation 2 has all of the sudden turn out to be a must-win state of affairs for Los Angeles, as falling into an 0-2 gap earlier than heading to Minnesota would put their playoff hopes in critical jeopardy.
The strain now falls squarely on rookie head coach Redick to make the mandatory tactical changes whereas his stars should ship the sort of efficiency anticipated from a championship contender.
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