Lakers Shocked in First-Round Exit as Doncic and Redick Take the Blame for Playoff Collapse

After a shocking first-round exit in the Western Conference playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers were left reeling after a Game 5 loss at home to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The early elimination sparked widespread criticism, with fingers pointing in several directions—but most notably at star guard Luka Dončić and rookie head coach JJ Redick.

Despite Dončić putting up solid numbers in the series—averaging 30.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 5.8 assists—his defensive struggles were glaring. He registered a negative box score plus/minus in four of the five games and finished the series at minus-24 overall. Though his offensive brilliance kept the Lakers competitive, critics honed in on his lapses on the other end of the floor as a key factor in the team’s downfall.

Redick, coaching in his first NBA postseason, also came under fire for questionable decisions, most notably in Game 4. With the Lakers holding a double-digit lead entering the fourth quarter, Redick opted to play just five players for the entire second half—an approach that ultimately backfired when the Timberwolves mounted a comeback. In the decisive Game 5, Redick’s refusal to play big man Jaxson Hayes, even as the Lakers were being dominated 54–37 on the boards, raised further questions about his in-game adjustments.

Yet despite the disappointment, Dončić stood firmly behind his head coach. The two briefly played together in Dallas back in 2021, and that familiarity seems to have translated into trust. “I think he is a hell of a coach,” Dončić said after Game 5. “Not many coaches do the stuff he did in his first year… I am glad I got coached by him. We have a great bond.”

Though the Lakers now face an uncertain offseason, Dončić expressed gratitude for his time in Los Angeles so far. “It’s been great, honestly,” he said. “The way the fans and community have accepted me has been amazing. I’m still learning about the city and the team, but I’m happy to be here.”

While questions swirl about how the Lakers will reshape the roster, one thing appears clear: Luka Dončić plans to be part of the journey.