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Lakers’ JJ Redick Sends Unclear Message Before Major Game 5 Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Josh Valdez | Last updated Apr 29, 2025 4:36 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers have home-court advantage as the third seed against the sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Quarterfinals, but they still find themselves down 3-1 heading into Wednesday's Game 5.

The Timberwolves dominated in a 117-95 Game 1 victory before the Lakers won Game 2 94-85. Minnesota then took Game 3 116-104 and Game 4 116-113.

The latter game was unique from Los Angeles' perspective, as Head Coach JJ Redick played LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, and Dorian Finney-Smith for the entirety of the second half.

The first-year coach was asked on Tuesday if he'd use that lineup to start Game 5, via ESPN's Dave McMenamin.

"TBD," he said.

James and Doncic each played 46 minutes on Sunday, while Hachimura and Finney-Smith each played 41. Reaves tallied 35, and starting center Jaxson Hayes had just four.

JJ Redick when asked if he’ll use the 2nd half lineup from Game 4 to start Game 5: “TBD”
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 29, 2025

The Lakers couldn't stop Anthony Edwards that day, as the superstar notched 43 points (12-23 FG, 5-10 3 PT) with nine rebounds, six assists, and one block in 44 minutes. The 23-year-old also had 29 points (12-26 FG, 5-10 3 PT) with eight rebounds, eight assists, two steals, and one block across 42 minutes in Game 3.

Minnesota out-rebounded Los Angeles 49-41 on Sunday, which won it the game. The Lakers were more efficient, as they shot 45 percent from the field (40.4 percent 3 PT) while the Timberwolves shot 42.2 percent (38.9 percent 3 PT), but the latter team took 10 more field goals and eight more free throws.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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