The Los Angeles Lakers are currently on the wrong side of a 3-1 series deficit against the Minnesota Timberwolves, with a crucial Game 5 coming around the corner.
To avoid an early vacation to Cancun, Lakers coach JJ Redick needs to make some serious strategic moves in order to advance to the next round.
Here are three critical areas he needs to address.
3 Moves JJ Redick Needs To Make For Lakers
1] Reignite Austin Reaves’ Offensive Spark
Austin Reaves has been in a noticeable slump. In his last five games, he’s averaging 18.4 points on 45.9% shooting from the field and a tepid 37.2% from beyond the arc. This is a slight dip from his season average of 20.2 points and 37.7% from deep.
The Lakers’ offense becomes significantly less dynamic when Reaves is not a consistent scoring threat and playmaker. Redick needs to find ways to get Reaves easier looks, perhaps through more off-ball movement and designed plays that free him up for open shots.
Utilizing him more in pick-and-roll situations as a scorer, not just a facilitator, could also help him regain his rhythm.
2] Manage LeBron James’ Time at Center
LeBron James has been logging heavy minutes, often playing at the five. While his versatility is valuable, the physical toll of battling bigger bodies in the paint is evident.
In Game 4, despite 27 points and 12 rebounds, his late-game offensive efficiency waned, potentially due to fatigue from the physicality. Redick must find a viable alternative, even if it’s by committee, to reduce James’ time at the 5.
Year 22 Playoff LeBron has been the best defensive player in the 2025 playoffs:
👑 the most steals + blocks (17)
👑 lowest opponent FG% at the rim (36.4)DEFENSIVE MONSTER. 🔒 pic.twitter.com/b0wAYMajOL
— Witness King James (@WITNESSKJ)
Although he only played four minutes and was taken out of the game early, Redick may have to go back to using Jaxson Hayes just to have a body to back up James. Exploring lineup adjustments could keep James fresher for crucial late-game offensive possessions where the Lakers desperately need his scoring punch.
3] Implement More Structured Offensive Sets
The Lakers’ offense has often developed into isolation plays and freestyle basketball, becoming predictable and easier for the Timberwolves’ defense to stifle. Running more organized sets could help create better scoring opportunities for everyone, not just relying on the individual brilliance of James and Luka Dončić.
Additionally, managing Dončić’s minutes (who played 45 and 46 minutes in Games 3 and 4, respectively) could help benefit the Lakers’ offense. A less-gassed Dončić might have more energy to initiate offense and find open teammates later in the game when the Lakers need a bucket.
Implementing quicker offensive actions early in possessions could help tire out the Timberwolves’ defense and potentially lead to easier baskets later.
