The Los Angeles Lakers and the Minnesota Timberwolves are set to clash in what could be the most compelling first-round playoff matchup in the Western Conference. While the series boasts star power with LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Anthony Edwards, the outcome may hinge on which team’s supporting cast excels in the less glamorous aspects of the game, such as securing loose balls and grabbing rebounds.
This emphasis on effort areas highlights frontcourt play and matchups for both the Lakers and the Timberwolves. The Timberwolves has significant size with Rudy Gobert, Naz Reid, Jaden McDaniels, and Julius Randle.
In contrast, the Lakers’ frontcourt depth has been diminished following the trade of Anthony Davis earlier this season. In fact, Los Angeles enters the playoffs with limited frontcourt options behind Jaxson Hayes, a consequence of recent roster decisions.
Los Angeles Lakers Retain Only 2 True Centers Ahead Of Minnesota Timberwolves NBA Playoffs
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Trey Jemison III and Christian Koloko, who spent the regular season with the Lakers on two-way contracts, were not converted to standard deals before the playoffs.
Consequently, despite continuing to practice with the team and being present for this first-round series against Minnesota, neither player will be eligible to participate. The Lakers opted to retain veteran center Alex Len and guard Jordan Goodwin on their roster instead of waiving either player to make room for Jemison or Koloko.
A key factor influencing this move is head coach JJ Redick’s implementation of smaller lineups. These rotations often feature LeBron James, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Rui Hachimura playing frontcourt minutes when Jaxson Hayes is not on the floor.
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Despite closing out the regular season strong with six wins in their final nine games, the Lakers have struggled on the boards, ranking 27th in rebounding since the beginning of April. This rebounding deficiency is a significant concern as they prepare to face a Timberwolves team that has been among the league’s better rebounding teams in the second half of the season.
It remains uncertain whether Redick will incorporate Alex Len into his rotation during this first-round series against the Wolves, given that Len has played only once since the start of April.