It won’t be the magical year the Purple and gold expected. In a shocking turn of events, the Minnesota Timberwolves, led by Rudy Gobert’s interior dominance, vanquished the Lakers in five games. This marks their second straight first-round exit as the Luka Doncic mid-season trade doesn’t translate to any glory. However, there was maybe another decision by Rob Pelinka and the Lakers that left them exposed during the series against the Wolves.
The Timberwolves were +16 points in the paint today, led by the French center’s incessant attack near the rim. The Lakers were forced to play small due to the ineffective impact Jaxson Hayes had throughout the series. That goes back a few months. The Lakers had a chance to give Luka Doncic an ideal center.
The Hornets’ Mark Williams was practically a Laker before a failed physical led to the trade being rescinded. After having gauged their upsetting postseason, in the Inside the NBA crew, the athletic center could have changed the landscape of this series.
“In Dallas, his game hasn’t changed but what he did have is Lively back there. That’s what they were expecting Mark Williams to be. The lob catcher, the rim protector when guys are able to drive out. Because the trade off is you might get 20 but Luka might get 40,” Kenny Smith explained.
Jan 24, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (5) holds the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second quarter at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
Hayes did supply as a lob threat with Doncic and other Lakers playmakers running the show However, he dims when it comes to the rim protection. Mark Williams is a stellar athlete that combines both those aspects as a rising center in the league. Furthermore, having a versatile big man unlocks the entirety of Luka Doncic’s game, opening up decoy plays and passes to the rim.
As the Lakers didn’t have that protection, the Timberwolves took advantage. Over the entire series, the Wolves averaged 15 more points in the paint because JJ Redick couldn’t use Hayes for great minutes. And although there were other reasons, the unguarded paint is where the Wolves feasted the most.
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