Los Angeles Lakers' head coach JJ Redick faced criticism for playing only five players in the second half of Game 4 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, a game the Lakers ultimately lost 116-113. Despite building a 10-point lead by the end of the third quarter, the Lakers faltered in the final period. LeBron James defended Redick's decision on his 'Mind the Game' podcast, stating that the coaching staff made a judgment based on the game's momentum, and players felt responsible for the loss rather than blaming the coach.

James emphasized that none of the players questioned Redick, asserting that they collectively share the accountability for their defeat. The lineup featuring James, Luka Dončić, and Austin Reaves initially performed well but struggled in the fourth quarter, scoring a mere 19 points. Now, the Lakers and James face a crucial offseason as they contemplate roster improvements and his potential return for a 23rd season.

Jarred Vanderbilt is optimistic heading into the offseason after struggling with injuries during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers. Since joining the Lakers in February 2023 as part of the trade that saw Russell Westbrook leave, Vanderbilt showcased his defensive prowess, earning him fan admiration. Despite his hustling spirit, injuries plagued his season, including a foot injury that sidelined him for a year. Now healthy, he is eager to develop his game further.

Vanderbilt's 3-point shooting has been notably weak, hitting just 28.1% on limited attempts. Improving this aspect of his game could significantly increase his value and playing time. A healthy offseason presents an opportunity for him to refine his skills, particularly in extending his shooting range. This improvement could be pivotal for the Lakers as they seek to enhance their roster heading into the next season.

The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a significant defeat in their Game 1 matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves, losing 117-95. Key issues included being out-rebounded and allowing 23 second-chance points to Minnesota. The Lakers' offensive struggles were evident as they shot only 39.8% from the field and totaled just 15 assists, compared to Minnesota's more efficient performance.

Reserve forward Jarred Vanderbilt emphasized the need for the Lakers to come out more aggressive in Game 2. He noted that the Timberwolves set the physical tone early and that the Lakers need to match this intensity from the start. Vanderbilt expressed confidence in the team's ability to bounce back, citing their experience with adversity this season, and highlighted the importance of maintaining a sense of urgency throughout the game.

Luka Doncic's fiery demeanor on the court led to an unexpected ejection during the intense matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers, a game that ended 136-120 in favor of the Thunder. Doncic engaged in some light trash talk with a courtside fan while competing, prompting a misinterpretation by referee J.T. Orr, who issued Doncic a second technical foul resulting in his ejection. The Lakers were in a close contest when the incident occurred, with a narrow lead that quickly evaporated following Doncic's departure.

After the incident, Lakers players and coaches expressed their discontent regarding officiating decisions that altered the game's flow. LeBron James emphasized the competitive atmosphere of the matchup, stating that it took a bizarre turn post-ejection. The Lakers now shift their focus to an upcoming game against the Dallas Mavericks, which will mark Doncic's first return to Dallas since he was traded. The emotional stakes are high as Doncic anticipates a mixed reaction from the crowd that once cheered for him.

Dorian Finney-Smith's recent play has been pivotal for the Los Angeles Lakers, especially in terms of perimeter shooting and defensive efforts. His continuous improvement has led to a notable uptick in his three-point shooting since joining the team. During a recent victory over the Houston Rockets, Finney-Smith attempted 11 three-pointers, successfully landing six, scoring a total of 20 points. Luka Doncic has actively pushed him to be more confident and aggressive with his shot, emphasizing that he should seize open opportunities.

In conversations with Finney-Smith, Doncic expressed his desire for him to take more shots, reinforcing the trust they have in each other on the court. Finney-Smith's shooting percentage has also improved significantly over the past few games, boasting a 40.2% from three-point range in March. This influence from Doncic, alongside encouragement from teammates like LeBron James, has empowered Finney-Smith to elevate his offensive contributions, marking a crucial development as the Lakers chase postseason success.