JJ Redick’s playoff coaching debut with the Los Angeles Lakers didn’t go as planned. The first-year head coach watched his team get dominated by the Minnesota Timberwolves in a 117-95 blowout, sparking immediate frustration from fans.
The loss exposed glaring issues in the Lakers’ game plan, leading to a wave of criticism directed at Redick. Fans took to social media to voice their displeasure, with some even calling for his job after just one postseason game.
Fans demand changes after disappointing Los Angeles Lakers performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves
The Los Angeles Lakers’ struggles on both ends of the floor left supporters furious. One fan criticized the team’s defensive breakdowns and predictable offense, writing, “It is over our defense has too many holes plus Redick is trash letting our offense be iso ball after a week of prep.”
Another went further, demanding JJ Redick’s dismissal: “LeBron James, JJ Redick and Austin Reaves absolutely pathetic tonight.. No effort, bad body language, scared the whole game, bad rotations…Fire Redick.”
Questions also arose about Redick’s lineup decisions, particularly his refusal to play rookie sharpshooter Dalton Knecht. One fan bluntly hoped Redick would “beat some (expletive)” following the loss.
How the Minnesota Timberwolves dismantled the Los Angeles Lakers
The game started competitively, with the Los Angeles Lakers taking a 28-21 lead. But Minnesota quickly seized control in the second quarter, going on a 14-2 run to erase the deficit. Key contributions from Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Naz Reid, and Jaden McDaniels pushed the Timberwolves ahead 35-30.
LeBron James provided a rare highlight with a chasedown block on Alexander-Walker, but it was one of the few bright spots for Los Angeles. By halftime, Minnesota led by 11, and the gap ballooned to 22 in the third quarter.
McDaniels and Anthony Edwards took over, combining for quick scores to extend the lead. A deep three from Luka Dončić cut the deficit to 16 late in the third, but the Timberwolves’ dominance never wavered.
The loss puts JJ Redick under early scrutiny as the Lakers look to bounce back in Game 2. With fans already questioning his tactics, the pressure is mounting for the rookie coach to make adjustments—or face even louder criticism.
What’s next for JJ Redick and the Lakers?
One game won’t define a series, but the Lakers have serious adjustments to make if they want to avoid an early playoff exit. Redick’s coaching decisions—from rotations to offensive schemes—will be under a microscope in Game 2. Can he silence the critics, or will the Timberwolves continue to expose L.A.’s flaws?
Also read: NBA Offseason Rumors: Los Angeles predicted to bag $$66 million Orlando Magic star to support LeBron James and Luka Doncic
What did you think of the Los Angeles Lakers’ performance? Were the fans’ criticisms of Redick justified, or is it too soon to judge? Drop your reactions in the comments below.
The loss exposed glaring issues in the Lakers’ game plan, leading to a wave of criticism directed at Redick. Fans took to social media to voice their displeasure, with some even calling for his job after just one postseason game.
Fans demand changes after disappointing Los Angeles Lakers performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves
The Los Angeles Lakers’ struggles on both ends of the floor left supporters furious. One fan criticized the team’s defensive breakdowns and predictable offense, writing, “It is over our defense has too many holes plus Redick is trash letting our offense be iso ball after a week of prep.”
Another went further, demanding JJ Redick’s dismissal: “LeBron James, JJ Redick and Austin Reaves absolutely pathetic tonight.. No effort, bad body language, scared the whole game, bad rotations…Fire Redick.”
It is over our defense has too many holes + redick is trash letting our offense be iso ball after a week of prep+lebron is cooked. Bron FC it was fun while it lasted fr
— brick szn (@RainingLakers) April 20, 2025
Questions also arose about Redick’s lineup decisions, particularly his refusal to play rookie sharpshooter Dalton Knecht. One fan bluntly hoped Redick would “beat some (expletive)” following the loss.
How the Minnesota Timberwolves dismantled the Los Angeles Lakers
The game started competitively, with the Los Angeles Lakers taking a 28-21 lead. But Minnesota quickly seized control in the second quarter, going on a 14-2 run to erase the deficit. Key contributions from Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Naz Reid, and Jaden McDaniels pushed the Timberwolves ahead 35-30.
LeBron James provided a rare highlight with a chasedown block on Alexander-Walker, but it was one of the few bright spots for Los Angeles. By halftime, Minnesota led by 11, and the gap ballooned to 22 in the third quarter.
McDaniels and Anthony Edwards took over, combining for quick scores to extend the lead. A deep three from Luka Dončić cut the deficit to 16 late in the third, but the Timberwolves’ dominance never wavered.
The loss puts JJ Redick under early scrutiny as the Lakers look to bounce back in Game 2. With fans already questioning his tactics, the pressure is mounting for the rookie coach to make adjustments—or face even louder criticism.
What’s next for JJ Redick and the Lakers?
One game won’t define a series, but the Lakers have serious adjustments to make if they want to avoid an early playoff exit. Redick’s coaching decisions—from rotations to offensive schemes—will be under a microscope in Game 2. Can he silence the critics, or will the Timberwolves continue to expose L.A.’s flaws?
Also read: NBA Offseason Rumors: Los Angeles predicted to bag $$66 million Orlando Magic star to support LeBron James and Luka Doncic
What did you think of the Los Angeles Lakers’ performance? Were the fans’ criticisms of Redick justified, or is it too soon to judge? Drop your reactions in the comments below.
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