JJ Redick Gives Honest Thoughts On Lakers First Round Matchup
The 3rd-seeded Los Angeles Lakers will be facing the 6th-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2025 Playoffs. They found out today after the Timberwolves defeated the Jazz and the Warriors lost to the Clippers.
Head Coach JJ Redick has already shared his thoughts on the first-round opponent, calling Minnesota a “very difficult opponent.” He also stated, “They’ve played as well as anyone lately” and “present a lot of problems”.
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It’s true. Minnesota appears as a real threat, especially on paper. They have a clear size advantage down low with Gobert and Randle. They also have a superstar in Anthony Edwards, who is always dangerous with the ball in his hands.
On defense, the Lakers’ game plan will likely be to force the ball away from Edwards and make the Timberwolves’ role players try to beat them.
On offense, it may be more difficult to attack the paint, but Redick will draw up plays to stretch their defense out and put Gobert on an island against the Lakers’ trio of playmakers.
Last year, Luka Doncic defeated the Timberwolves in five games in the Western Conference Finals with the Dallas Mavericks. He will look to eliminate them again with the Lakers.
LA owns home court advantage throughout the series. They must take advantage of this and get off to a quick start on their playoff run. Minnesota will be difficult, but the Lakers are also playing at a very high level right now and are confident they have a team that can go all the way.
