The Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick is set to face his first playoff challenge, and it won’t be an easy one as his team squares off against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
After a slow start to the 2024-25 season while integrating new additions Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo, the Timberwolves hit their stride late in the year, playing their best basketball heading into the postseason. Now, Redick and his coaching staff must devise a game plan to counter a well-rounded Minnesota squad capable of pulling off a first-round upset.
Redick understands the Timberwolves present a tough matchup, particularly because of their stifling defense. Minnesota finished the season as one of the league’s top defensive teams, meaning the Lakers’ offense will have its work cut out.
With their relentless ball pressure and length, the Timberwolves excel at forcing turnovers—a key reason Redick emphasized protecting the ball as a critical factor in the series.
“It’s one of the biggest keys of the series,” Redick said after Wednesday’s practice. “Our ability to get a shot up is crucial. Everyone talks about Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Jaden McDaniels as elite disruptors—and they are, two of the best in the NBA—but Anthony Edwards on the ball, DiVincenzo on the ball, DiVincenzo in dribble handoffs… those guys are relentless. There are non-negotiables for us to run clean offense. It’s not just about individual ball pressure; it’s about overall awareness to avoid unforced errors.”
As Redick pointed out, Minnesota’s roster is loaded with defensive playmakers, meaning careless turnovers could spell trouble for the Lakers. While Luka Dončić, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves will shoulder much of the ball-handling responsibility, the entire team must stay disciplined to avoid costly mistakes.
Among all first-round matchups, Lakers vs. Timberwolves stands out as the most intriguing on paper, setting the stage for a thrilling battle to advance.
Lakers’ Defense Faces the Anthony Edwards Challenge
On the other side of the ball, the Lakers’ defensive strategy will center on containing Anthony Edwards, whose offensive versatility makes him a nightmare to guard. Both Jarred Vanderbilt and JJ Redick recently discussed the challenges of slowing down a player of Edwards’ caliber.
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