JJ Redick says overcoming Wolves defense will be key for Lakers

The Lakers taking care of the ball and getting shots up will be easier said than done against the Wolves this postseason.

During the regular season, Lakers-Wolves games were evenly matched contests. The season series was a 2-2 split, and three of those games were decided by 10 points or less.

The film is difficult to look back on and take much away from since Luka Dončić only played in one of those games, and even in that matchup, Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle were unavailable for Minnesota.

However, one common issue Los Angeles struggled with against Minnesota was taking care of the basketball.

In two of their games against the Wolves, the Lakers had 20-plus turnovers. Given that Minnesota has elite perimeter and interior defense, taking care of the ball and getting quality looks will be crucial for the Lakers to come out of this series victorious.

“It’s one of the biggest keys to the series,” JJ Redick said after Lakers practice on Wednesday. “Our ability to get a shot. Everybody talks about Nickeil [Alexander-Walker] and with [Jaden] McDaniels, as these disruptive defenders which they are. They’re two of the best in the NBA, but Dan on the ball, DiVincenzo on the ball, DiVincenzo, dribble hand off. Those guys are really disruptive.”

There’s no denying the Wolves are an elite defensive team. During the regular season, their defensive rating was 110.8, which was the sixth-best in the NBA.

Minnesota will aim to use their size and switchability to apply pressure on the Lakers’ ball handlers and force turnovers and as many shot clock violations as possible.

The Lakers will need to have laser-like focus to ensure they still get quality looks at the basket and aren’t careless with the basketball against Minnesota’s defenders.

Luckily, L.A.’s big three of LeBron James, Austin Reaves and Luka should be able to get the job done.

Despite the challenges the Wolves represent, the Lakers, on paper, give Minnesota just as many problems, if not more.

Lakers fans have the team beating the Wolves in this series, and with the schedule giving this older team some extra days off, L.A. will have time and home court on their side for Redick’s first playoff series as Lakers coach.

They also still have a few more days to prepare and rest before Game 1, which will begin in Los Angeles on Saturday, April 19.

Hopefully, they’ll use these days to get off on the right foot and begin this series with a lead.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.