Lakers Adjust Starting Lineup Ahead of Game 5 Against Timberwolves

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota — Dorian Finney-Smith will start in Wednesday’s Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Los Angeles Lakers announced, as they look to avoid elimination in the NBA playoffs. Coach JJ Redick confirmed the change during a press conference, stating the starting lineup is ‘TBD’.

Finney-Smith, who played a considerable role in the previous games, averaged 6.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists over 35.3 minutes per game in the series. His addition to the starting lineup comes after the Lakers lost Game 4, 116-113, allowing the Timberwolves to take a 3-1 lead in the series.

In the last match, the Lakers started Jaxson Hayes, who played only 4 minutes. They held a 10-point lead going into the fourth quarter but failed to maintain it as Minnesota rallied to secure the victory. ‘We missed some point-blank shots,’ LeBron James said, refuting the idea that fatigue impacted their performance. ‘We were getting to what we wanted but just weren’t able to convert.’

Anthony Edwards of the Timberwolves shone in Game 4 with 43 points and highlighted the Lakers’ fatigue. ‘I felt like they were gassed going down the stretch,’ Edwards said. ‘So just trying to keep my foot on the pedal.’

Meanwhile, the Lakers face significant challenges ahead. Their bench has underperformed, complicating Redick’s dilemma on which players to utilize effectively. He hinted at potentially involving rookie Dalton Knecht, who has not been a significant contributor in recent games.

‘We feel like he can help us win a game in the playoffs, maybe multiple games,’ Redick said of Knecht. His scoring potential may provide the Lakers with much-needed offensive depth.

As they prepare for Game 5, the Lakers understand the importance of a win. ‘We have to win Game 5… tomorrow is a Game 7 for us,’ Redick stated emphatically.