The LA Lakers saw a disappointing end to their promising season after losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games in the NBA playoffs first round. The Lakers’ numerous problems in their roster were evident, including the lack of an inside presence following Anthony Davis’ trade for Luka Doncic in February.
For NBA insider Brian Windhorst, the Lakers’ problem is more than just an interior player. Windhorst said that they aren’t just one player away from contention; they are farther from their championship hopes than many think.
Since trading for Doncic, who has looked like the Lakers’ best player in the past three months, the team have played most of their minutes with smaller lineups with no center on the floor.
Their lone center, Jaxson Hayes, was barely utilized in the Timberwolves series, while Minnesota’s Rudy Gobert dominated the Lakers inside the paint en route the second round.
Apart from the lack of a center, the Lakers are also deficient in bench scoring and shooting, both of which could help alleviate the pressure from high-usage superstars Doncic and James.
The Lakers have numerous trade assets on their roster to create a haul that could land them a valuable inside piece to complement Doncic, who’s seen to be the face of the franchise for the foreseeable future.
Lakers coach JJ Redick admitted the Lakers’ problems with size in matching up with the Timberwolves. Following the Game 5 loss, Redick said that the team needed size and did the best they could with their current personnel.
The Lakers finished as the third seed in the Western Conference only to lose to the sixth-seeded Timberwolves. The Lakers could be an active team this offseason as they look to improve their roster for next season.
