Lakers’ Playoff Woes Explode as Pelinka’s Mark Williams Blunder Comes Back to Bite

The Los Angeles Lakers found themselves exposed on Friday night in Minnesota, particularly during a critical stretch at the end of the game. While the Lakers had managed to coast through the latter part of the regular season despite trading away their dominant big man Anthony Davis for superstar guard Luka Dončić, their lack of size is now glaringly evident in the playoffs.

In their first three games against the Timberwolves, the Lakers have struggled mightily to defend the paint. Minnesota has averaged 17.7 made shots within five feet of the basket—the second-highest mark in the postseason. Additionally, they’re hitting 4.0 corner threes per game, ranking third among playoff teams. These numbers reflect a defense that is vulnerable both at the rim and on the perimeter.

Head coach JJ Redick addressed the issue bluntly when asked about the team’s defensive woes, pointing directly to the glaring lack of rim protection—a flaw that was apparent the moment the Dončić trade was made. Center Jaxson Hayes has been tasked with anchoring the defense inside, but his lack of shot-blocking prowess has made him a liability against the Timberwolves, resulting in just 26 minutes of court time over three games.

Redick didn’t hold back, saying, “We don’t have, quote-unquote, rim protection. So if we give up blow-bys, we’re going to give up something—we’re going to give up a 3 or we’re gonna give up a shot from him at the rim.”

This has reignited criticism of Lakers GM Rob Pelinka, particularly surrounding the rescinded trade for Charlotte center Mark Williams. Though Williams had some durability concerns—missing 9 of his final 30 regular-season games—he averaged 14.9 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks when healthy. The Lakers had the deal lined up but backed out post-deadline, citing injury concerns.

Now, with the team floundering and fans watching the Timberwolves dominate inside, frustration is boiling over. Lakers supporters are questioning why no Plan B was pursued and are holding Pelinka accountable for the roster imbalance. One fan vented online, saying, “Rob Pelinka backed out of the Mark Williams trade and now our coach is saying things like this.” Another pointed to rookie Dalton Knecht—reportedly part of the would-be trade—as a non-factor, adding, “Passing on Mark Williams to not play Dalton in the playoffs better lead to him being flipped for a stud this summer.”

The spotlight is now firmly on Pelinka and the front office, with Lakers Nation demanding answers and a better plan moving forward.

Do you think the Lakers still have time to adjust, or is it too late in this series?