What’s JJ’s explanation for the 5 man rotation?

stan francisco · Post #1 » by **stan francisco** » Tue Jun 24, 2025 3:37 pm

Was it just me or did JJ’s 5 man rotation feel like it wasn’t about X and O strategy, but maybe rather about sending a signal to ownership and/or FO? It made no basketball sense and JJ is normally a rational and intelligent human. It felt as if he was protesting. Anyone else?

Maybe he knew we’d lose that series and it was about messaging how having a roster with five starting caliber PFs is not a good idea. I wonder if the ownership change had anything to do with it. They must have known for a while.

I haven’t yet heard a believable basketball based explanation for JJ playing only five guys. Have you?

SlimShady83 · Post #2 » by **SlimShady83** » Wed Jun 25, 2025 7:17 am

I haven't heard nothing, not that I catch everything. But In saying that, I remember someone whether a fan/reporter or someone actually linked to the Lakers, saying he just didn't trust them in the playoffs, if that's the case, then most if not all of the bench should be moved in the offseason, which is now and I can't wait to hear some news

danfantastk32 · Post #3 » by **danfantastk32** » Wed Jun 25, 2025 4:31 pm

stan francisco wrote: I haven’t yet heard a believable basketball based explanation for JJ playing only five guys. Have you?

I don't think it was "basketball based" but rather complete desperation. These are the kind of things you see when a team knows they are going down.

I've expressed my views that there just isn't much talent on the team, and I know alot of people disagree. Fine....fair enough. But I'll point to moments like that, that show that JJ knows.....he looked down the roster and knew they were screwed. Their only hope was to throw the best 5 guys out, and pray for a miracle. Was there a "message" being sent?? I guess it's possible, but really I think it boiled down to him knowing they were over their head, and if they were gonna have any chance...then pick the 5 best, and ride it till the bitter end.

Anyhow...that's my take. I wouldn't read too much into it, other than take the occam's razor approach that this team has no depth, and was screwed either way.

stan francisco · Post #4 » by **stan francisco** » Thu Jun 26, 2025 11:40 am

danfantastk32 wrote:
stan francisco wrote: I haven’t yet heard a believable basketball based explanation for JJ playing only five guys. Have you?

I don't think it was "basketball based" but rather complete desperation. These are the kind of things you see when a team knows they are going down.

I've expressed my views that there just isn't much talent on the team, and I know alot of people disagree. Fine....fair enough. But I'll point to moments like that, that show that JJ knows.....he looked down the roster and knew they were screwed. Their only hope was to throw the best 5 guys out, and pray for a miracle. Was there a "message" being sent?? I guess it's possible, but really I think it boiled down to him knowing they were over their head, and if they were gonna have any chance...then pick the 5 best, and ride it till the bitter end.

Anyhow...that's my take. I wouldn't read too much into it, other than take the occam's razor approach that this team has no depth, and was screwed either way.

I think you’re right. /thread.