Done and dusted! It’s a curtain call on the 2024-25 NBA Regular Season, and we’re ready for the next stage to unfold. With the Playoffs and the Play-In Tournaments just around the corner, the league is heating up. Sunday delivered the action and drama needed before Phase 2. But for the Los Angeles Lakers, disappointment came their way. While Bronny James somewhat wasted his moment to shine, head coach JJ Redick opened up about the flaws with brutal honesty.

With the 3rd seed locked, JJ gave LeBron and the OG five the night off, throwing in rookies and G League stars to tame the Blazers at Moda. It was a bold move, but it backfired. The Blazers smoked the Lakers 109-81. Meanwhile, Bronny James? Just 4 points in 38 minutes. Ouch. But hey, every rookie takes a hit. Now, with the postseason looming, all eyes are on how he bounces back. However, the Lakers head coach won’t have a moment’s peace because there’s quite a lot to introspect before facing the Wolves in the Playoffs.

JJ Redick’s postgame analysis could raise concerns ahead of the Lakers-Wolves playoff game

The Los Angeles Lakers didn’t play their starting five against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday.  LeBron James was inactive, and Luka Doncic missed the game due to injury or illness. Meanwhile, Dalton Knecht, Bronny James, and Alex Len were among the starting lineup. While Knecht chipped in 25 points in the heartbreaking loss, James Jr. added 4 points. Not the greatest stats, and who knows when the tables would turn.

Meanwhile, the NBA has announced the playoff games, and the Lakers will face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference matchup. Therefore, the reporters wanted to know if JJ Redick wanted to wrap up ‘something’ after Sunday’s game. “Or are you and your coaching staff already tilting your brains towards that Round One?” they asked in the postgame press conference.

“We’re going towards the playoffs. Tonight was a tough spot. Having to play two bigs that haven’t really played,” the 40-year-old rookie coach confessed. “I don’t think Christian and Trey, outside of some South Bay games, have been on the court together. Alex hasn’t played in a while.” Except for Bronny, who gets called up now and then to suit up for the LA Lakers, the youngsters on the floor have only played in the NBA G League.

“Those guys have done such a good job with the stay-ready games,” Redick mentioned. However,  “Offensive rebounds killed us.” The Lakers had only 13 offensive rebounds compared to the Blazers’ 27. Moreover, having two centers on the floor, namely Christian Koloko and Trey Jemison, didn’t particularly work out according to JJ Redick’s plan. So, you can expect only Jaxson Hayes as the big man on the court against the Timberwolves.

Meanwhile, Bronny James has set the records straight for his vision for the Playoffs right after Sunday’s game. Despite his lackluster performance, the 20-year-old rookie guard is ready to shake off the dust and start afresh.

Amidst loss and disappointment, Bronny James unveils his Playoff plans

In the Lakers locker room, an exhausted Bronny James sat before the media’s intriguing questions. He played for 38 minutes, scoring 4 points, 3 rebounds, and 6 assists. It surely isn’t the most impressive stat, but that isn’t stopping him from aiming for the stars. The reporters wanted to know what LeBron James’s firstborn was learning with a playoff team. He’s seen the heat and mayhem as a son, but he’s a pro player.

So, what is he hoping to pick up here over the next however long this is going to be? Bronny James replied, “Probably just the preparation. Thinking the games as much as they do in the playoffs. The intensity of playoff games and stuff like that. I’m just ready to be open-minded. Ready to win every game.” James Jr. has averaged 2.3 points, 0.7 rebounds, 0.8 assists, and 31.3 FG%. These records don’t determine the rookie’s fate in the upcoming games as he is ready to face the challenges with a smile and grit.

So, the curtain falls, but the spotlight’s still on. JJ Redick’s got thinking to do, the Lakers have regrouping to handle, and Bronny? He’s not backing down. Now, with the Wolves on the radar, it’s game on—or game over.