Through four games of the first-round series between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Minnesota Timberwolves, the difference in bench production has been staggering, and the numbers tell a harsh truth. Timberwolves forward and former Sixth Man of the Year Naz Reid is outscoring the entire Lakers bench by himself.
Reid is averaging 13.8 points per game in this series, while the entire Lakers bench has managed just 7.4 points per game. That disparity has become one of the defining factors in the Lakers’ falling behind 3-1 in the series.
Reid came out firing in Game 1, dropping 23 points to help Minnesota steal a win at Crypto.com Arena. In that same game, the Lakers’ bench scored a total of 14 points, but it was clear then that Reid’s energy and shot-making were going to be a problem for Los Angeles.
Game 2 saw Reid limited by foul trouble, finishing with just 9 points, but the Lakers’ bench failed to capitalize, putting up a modest 13.
In Game 3, the Lakers’ bench had its best showing with 19 points, but Reid nearly matched them with 11 of his own. Then came Game 4, where Reid scored 12 points off the bench, while the Lakers’ second unit combined for a miserable 6 points.
Reid has scored in double figures in three of the four games so far. The Lakers’ bench hasn’t had a single player reach 10 points in any game of the series.
This imbalance has been a glaring problem for JJ Redick and his coaching staff. While LeBron James and Luka Doncic have shouldered the scoring load for Los Angeles, the lack of production from the bench has left them gassed by the fourth quarter, unable to close games with the same energy and execution as Minnesota.
The Lakers’ most-used bench players—Dorian Finney-Smith, Gabe Vincent, and Jarred Vanderbilt—have provided defensive effort and hustle, but they’ve been invisible offensively.
Finney-Smith has hit a few timely threes but hasn’t been consistent. Vincent, who was brought in for playoff moments like this after a strong postseason with the Miami Heat last year, has failed to make a significant impact. Vanderbilt has been energetic on defense but hasn’t contributed offensively.
Meanwhile, Jordan Goodwin, the backup guard added midseason, has scored just 3 points across four games. He’s seen meaningful minutes, and he’s struggled to make any difference.
If the Lakers are to mount a comeback in this series, their bench must be a factor. They can’t rely on LeBron and Luka to play 40+ minutes and carry both ends of the floor with no support.
Reid’s ability to stretch the floor, rebound, and finish around the rim has been a consistent edge for the Timberwolves. If the Lakers can’t counter that production, their season could be over very soon.
Game 5 is a must-win, and that starts with someone—anyone—off the Lakers bench stepping up to match what Naz Reid has done all series long.
