RealGM

JJ Redick made a bold strategic decision in Sunday's Game 4 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, keeping his starting lineup of Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Dorian Finney-Smith on the floor for the entire second half.

Despite entering the fourth quarter with a 10-point advantage, the Lakers ultimately lost as fatigue appeared to set in during the final moments of the game. The decision came as part of an already condensed playoff rotation for Los Angeles.

"No, it wasn't planned but we just made the decision at halftime," Redick explained postgame. "We gave the effort to win. And not a planned thing to play five guys an entire second half."

Redick noted that he communicated with his players about the possibility of substitutions if needed.

"We asked them at the beginning of the fourth quarter, told them we had two extra timeouts. If you need a sub, let us know. Those guys gave a lot."

Throughout the postseason, the Lakers have primarily relied on a tight rotation, with only Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Jordan Goodwin seeing limited action off the bench.

Via RealGM Staff Report

Anybody at any level will get tired of that rate. Injuries really have slowed down Vanderbilt. Shooter from Miami is blah. But I feel like as a coach, you gotta pretend you believe in certain guys and they might surprise you. Knect and Goodwin need a chance. Might be too late.

Ant Edwards is a bad mf though. Nobody is making him uncomfortable.

With a squad where 2 key players (Luka and AR) are absolutely pathetic on defense and being hunted all day long, and your best defender is a 40-year old, there's not much else you can do.

Redick continues to amaze as a coach