After reviewing the tape of Game 2, JJ Redick highlighted where the Lakers’ offense needs to improve if they want to beat the Wolves.
The Lakers’ offense has struggled during these first couple of playoff games. They were blown out in Game 1, losing 117-95, and while they had a bounceback win in Game 2, it was due to their gritty defense, not their offensive production.
With the series moving to Minnesota, JJ Redick has delved into the tape and acknowledged that the offense hasn’t been good and the pace has to increase for Game 3 and beyond.
“The tape showed we weren’t very good offensively,” Redick said. Said the Lakers need to find ways to create more “thrust” and “pace.”
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) April 24, 2025
The Lakers are averaging just 94.5 points per game during the playoffs, making them the fourth-worst scoring team in the postseason. Their offensive rating is 107.4, which is the fifth-worst in the playoffs and the Lakers’ pace is the third lowest in the first round.
Individually, only Luka Dončić is finding success scoring. Every other Laker is performing below their regular-season production.
While there are some solutions to the offensive problems, the positive heading into Game 3 is that Redick is willing to acknowledge these flaws. After all, the first step to fixing the problem is admitting it.
Redick was great with his adjustments from Game 1 to Game 2, making sure the Lakers were sharper on defense. Now, he has to find a way to get L.A. to push its pace for Game 3.
Everything slows down and gets harder in the playoffs, but all 16 teams are in the same situation, and the Lakers are simply not executing their actions quickly enough to gain an advantage.
Far too many possesions have involved Luka pounding the ball, mercilessly matchup hunting Rudy Gobert resulting in a tough make by Dončić or a kick out where a Lakers player has just a few seconds to get a shot off.
This isn’t just a Luka problem. L.A.’s other offensive stars, Austin Reaves and LeBron James, are just as guilty of playing the “dribble until you get a switch onto Gobert” game.
Lakers have to have more than “try to get Gobert switched onto Luka, LeBron, or Austin in the offensive bag going forward. It isn’t sustainable offense over 7 games.
— Aaron Larsuel (@AaronLarsuel) April 23, 2025
The Lakers have to remember that nothing moves faster than the ball. If they can improve their ball movement and look for a mismatch instead of hunting one, it’ll generate better looks.
Los Angeles’ defense can also help with this. If they can get stops, Luka can make more of those full-court passes and help the Lakers get fastbreak opportunities before the Wolves can set up their defense.
Minnesota has a lot of size and youth, so running will be a challenge, but L.A. can improve in this area.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.