JJ Redick has to go and re-strategize after a loss to begin the NBA Playoffs.
With home court advantage, fully rested up, the LA Lakers came out flat against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
If they did not know it already, the Lakers are in for a serious battle, already 0-1 down in this best of seven series.
The Timberwolves had a great shooting night in their 117-98 victory, but there was also a very clear reason for the outcome, their superior size.
Jaxson Hayes was named as a starter for the LA Lakers against the Minnesota Timberwolves, but his night did not go as planned.
Hayes played only eight minutes in the loss, just five minutes more than Bronny James and Shake Milton each did in garbage time at the end of the loss.
In his limited time Hayes managed just one point and three rebounds, and Lakers fans were confused by JJ Redick‘s decision making.
One fan asked: “Jaxson Hayes what was even the plan.”
“This is a size issue JJ Redick has played Jaxson Hayes 8 minutes,” added another.
A third wrote: “Wait Jaxson Hayes only played 8 mins? wtf was Redick thinking?”
“You have to play Jaxson Hayes more mins,” a fourth fan demanded.
Another fan called out the Lakers coach: “Jaxson Hayes was misutilized & severely underplayed by Redick Game 1.”
“Hold up. Jaxson Hayes only played 8 minutes? Vs Big Minnesota lineups? Hahaha alright, JJ,” expressed another confused fan.
One comment came from a fan who believes the Lakers would have won the game easily f Hayes had played a full game.
“If we never took Jaxson Hayes out the game early and allow him to actually play 30 mins we would of easily won.”
While another furious Lakers follower wrot: “if JJ Redick doesn’t give Jaxson Hayes starter minutes, im gonna crash out.”
Jaxson Hayes has become a regular starter for the LA Lakers since the Luka Doncic trade.
Anthony Davis had been playing as the team’s center, and he was traded away to the Dallas Mavericks as part of the deal.
The Lakers traded for the Hornets’ Mark Williams, but this deal collapsed after the deadline due to health concerns.
A move for free agent Alex Len has not worked out at all, with the former Sacramento Kings player selected for ever fewer minutes than Hayes, just three in total.
Back-up center Trey Jemison was not handed a contract for the playoffs.
Hayes has played 65 games in total for the Lakers this season, but has only been averaging 19.5 minutes per game.
Post All-Star break this has been 21.8 minutes, with his 8 minutes showing against the Timberwolves substantially below par.
