The Los Angeles Lakers face a challenging playoff predicament as they struggle with depth, which was starkly evident in their recent Game 4 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Coach JJ Redick leaned heavily on a core group of LeBron James, Luka Dončić, Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, and Dorian Finney-Smith, who played the entire second half, only to see fatigue set in during the critical moments of the game. Despite a strong third quarter, the Lakers faltered in the fourth, emphasizing their lack of reliable support players.

As the series progresses, the glaring weaknesses in the Lakers' roster become apparent. With only Gabe Vincent providing any scoring beyond the starting five, the Lakers have struggled to capitalize on their offensive strengths. The reliance on players like Jaxson Hayes and Jordan Goodwin has exposed the team defensively, leading to significant paint disadvantages and rebounding issues. Current roster management raises questions about their ability to compete in crucial playoff games, indicating that the Lakers may not be equipped for a championship run this season.