The Los Angeles Lakers faced a challenging first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves, trailing 59-49 at halftime with Rudy Gobert finding success in the paint, scoring 15 points despite his overall struggles this series. Lakers coach JJ Redick's decision to limit Jaxson Hayes' playtime has drawn criticism, especially as the team is struggling with rebounding. Fans are vocal about the need for size and athleticism on the court, urging Redick to utilize Hayes more effectively.

Despite averaging 6.8 points during the regular season, Hayes has only managed 1.8 points in the series so far. His limited minutes raise questions about the strategy behind Redick's rotations, especially with the Lakers' current playoff predicament. The consensus among fans is clear: the Lakers need to adjust their approach to the game if they hope to avoid elimination.