The Los Angeles Lakers will face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, and while there are some fans of the Purple and Gold who feel the team may end up sweeping the Timberwolves, it will likely be a competitive series.
The Lakers seem to be the early favorites to win the series, but they aren't exactly the overwhelming favorites. In all likelihood, Minnesota will be able to take one or two games from them, possibly even three.
Head coach JJ Redick knows his men will be in for a challenge against Anthony Edwards and crew.
Via ESPN:
"We have a lot of work," Redick said. "They're a really good basketball team."
He cited the fact that Minnesota finished the regular season eighth in offensive rating and sixth in defensive rating.
"It's a very difficult opponent," Redick said. "They've played as well as anyone lately, and I believe they're one of four teams in the top 10 in offense and defense. So, they present a lot of problems."
In terms of concerns for L.A., most will focus on Anthony Edwards, the explosive All-Star guard who averaged 27.6 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists a game during the regular season. He improved his 3-point accuracy to 39.5%, and he reached the 40-point mark nine times. He is someone who can win games almost by himself — on both ends of the floor.
But rebounding could also be a concern for the Lakers. Minnesota has a tall and long frontline, led by 7-foot-1 starting center Rudy Gobert, 6-foot-9 power forward Julius Randle and reserve big men Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels. The Lakers will have to box out hard and pound the boards, especially when it comes to defensive rebounding, which continues to be a weakness for them.
Game 1 versus the Timberwolves will take place on Saturday, April 19, at 5:30 p.m. Los Angeles time at Crypto.com Arena.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: JJ Redick's initial thoughts on his Lakers facing the Timberwolves
