Lakers' Game 4 downfall against Timberwolves deemed Kendrick Perkins' fault, specifically per Redick's actions
Louping Lakers in a Lurch After Four NBA Playoff Games
The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in a precarious situation following the first four games of the 2025 NBA Playoffs. After a heartbreaking 116-113 loss on the road against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Lakers teeter on the brink, trailing the series 3-1, mere steps away from conceding the 2025 NBA title.
In Game 4, the Lakers seized a golden opportunity to even the score at 2-2 in the series, leading by 10 points at the start of the decisive quarter. Despite this substantial lead not being an insurmountable challenge, the Lakers inexplicably let it slip, with the Timberwolves outscoring them a staggering 32-19 in the final quarter.
The absence of scoring production from James in the fourth quarter was a significant factor in the Lakers' demise. But for Kendrick Perkins of ESPN, it was LA head coach JJ Redick's questionable decision-making that took the lion's share of the blame.
"No doubt it's JJ Reddick," Perkins asserted during Monday's "First Take", when asked about the culprit behind the Lakers' shocking Game 4 loss.
"Alright, you've got a guy, LeBron James, who's knocking on the door of his pension in five years. Do you realize the grueling back-to-back games schedule, less than 48 hours between games? Do you realize the toll Game 3 took on LeBron? And yet, you're still pushing the 40-year-old LeBron, who's guarding everyone," Perkins continued.
Luka Doncic's 4th-quarter performance encapsulated the game-changing 'shift'
Analysts like Brian Windhorst concurred with Perkins, questioning JJ Redick's decision to push his key players, including James. They argued that Redick's gamble ultimately backfired, exacerbating the Lakers' fatigue issues coming off a grueling back-to-back games schedule.
James played an exhausting 46 minutes in Game 4, scoring 27 points on the back of a commendable 15-for-18 performance from the free throw line. However, James was the only Laker who failed to register a point in the fourth quarter, despite having notable defensive plays.
LeBron, Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Rui Hachimura were all subjected to Redick's bold decision to leave them on the court for an entire half without substitutions, leading to costly fatigue issues among the core players.
James and the Lakers will have the benefit of a two-day break before Game 5 at Crypto.com Arena, a game of utmost importance for Los Angeles, who won Game 2 before dropping the subsequent games in the Twin Cities. The Lakers will need to address their fatigue issues and reevaluate their rotation plans if they wish to salvage their championship hopes. [1][3][4][5]
- In the face of the Lakers' 3-1 deficit in the NBA Playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves, their advantage seems to have collapsed, raising concerns about their ability to secure the 2025 NBA title.
- Kendrick Perkins of ESPN noted that Lakers head coach JJ Redick's questionable decision-making could be the primary reason for their heartbreaking loss in Game 4.
- Brian Windhorst, among other analysts, agrees with Perkins, stating that JJ Redick's decision to push key players, including LeBron James, for an entire half without substitutions in Game 4, ultimately backfired, contributing to the Lakers' fatigue issues.
- As the Lakers prepare for Game 5, they will need to address their fatigue issues, reevaluate their rotation plans, and hopefully avoid another collapse in the quarter, if they are to salvage their championship hopes in the NBA Playoffs.
