Magic Johnson Criticizes Lakers' JJ Redick After Game 4 Playoff Loss

The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a narrow 116-113 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 4, falling behind 3-1 in their first-round playoff series. Much of the postgame criticism centered on coach JJ Redick's decision to play LeBron James and Luka Doncic the entire second half without rest, despite James being 40 years old and Doncic recovering from illness. Magic Johnson, among others, questioned the wisdom of this strategy, arguing that fatigue contributed to James being scoreless in the fourth quarter when the team needed him most. Redick explained that the decision was made in consultation with the players, who did not request substitutions, but analysts and fans alike saw it as a rookie coaching mistake. LeBron James, however, downplayed fatigue as a factor, attributing the loss to missed opportunities rather than exhaustion. Ultimately, the Lakers' inability to maintain their lead and adjust their rotation is seen as a key reason for their Game 4 collapse.