The Los Angeles Lakers have set their 15-man roster for the NBA playoffs, making tough decisions ahead of their first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The team prioritized chemistry and continuity, keeping rookie Bronny James and injured forward Maxi Kleber while leaving out two-way centers Trey Jemison III and Christian Koloko.
Los Angeles Lakers opt for continuity in playoff roster decisions
Finishing as the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, the Los Angeles Lakers enter the postseason with championship aspirations after their midseason acquisition of Luka Doncic. Their first test comes against Anthony Edwards and the sixth-seeded Timberwolves, with Game 1 set for Saturday.
Though Jemison and Koloko didn’t make the final cut, they’ll remain with the team in practice. According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, both players participated in Tuesday’s session and will stay with the Los Angeles Lakers throughout the playoffs despite being ineligible to play. The decision reflects the team’s desire to maintain the chemistry built during the regular season.
Small-ball approach takes priority for head coach JJ Redick
Koloko appeared in 37 games this season, while Jemison played just 22, with both averaging under three points per game. Their limited on-court contributions didn’t overshadow their presence in the locker room, which the Lakers valued enough to keep them around.
The move also signals head coach JJ Redick’s commitment to small-ball lineups featuring Rui Hachimura. Additionally, Kleber’s inclusion—despite his right foot injury—suggests the team is optimistic about his potential return during the postseason.
As the Lakers chase their 18th championship, their roster choices highlight a balance between talent and team cohesion, two factors that could define their playoff run.
Los Angeles Lakers take on the Minnesota Timeberwolves in blockbuster playoff clash
There will be fierce rivalry in the Lakers versus. Timberwolves playoff series, which begins on April 19 at Crypto.com Arena. Luka Dončić, who joins LeBron James and Austin Reaves as important scorers, has strengthened the Lakers' lineup. The Lakers are currently ranked third with a 50-32 record. The Timberwolves, who are ranked sixth at 49-33, have Anthony Edwards as an offensive threat and a potent defense.
Also read: [PHOTOS]: Luka Doncic switches to brand-new look ahead of Los Angeles Lakers Play-Off game against Timbs; intentional twinning with Austin Reaves?
This playoff clash is unexpected because both clubs split their regular-season series 2-2, but those games did not feature full rosters. Despite the lack of footage showing both teams playing at full strength, Lakers coach JJ Redick places a strong emphasis on preparation. The Lakers' size and defense will be put to the test in the series against Minnesota's adaptable and formidable defense.
Los Angeles Lakers opt for continuity in playoff roster decisions
Finishing as the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, the Los Angeles Lakers enter the postseason with championship aspirations after their midseason acquisition of Luka Doncic. Their first test comes against Anthony Edwards and the sixth-seeded Timberwolves, with Game 1 set for Saturday.
Lakers two-way players Trey Jemison III and Christian Koloko were not converted to full fledge NBA contracts before the regular season ended, so they are ineligible to play in the playoffs. However, both practiced with the team today and will be with the team for the playoff run.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 16, 2025
Though Jemison and Koloko didn’t make the final cut, they’ll remain with the team in practice. According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, both players participated in Tuesday’s session and will stay with the Los Angeles Lakers throughout the playoffs despite being ineligible to play. The decision reflects the team’s desire to maintain the chemistry built during the regular season.
Small-ball approach takes priority for head coach JJ Redick
Koloko appeared in 37 games this season, while Jemison played just 22, with both averaging under three points per game. Their limited on-court contributions didn’t overshadow their presence in the locker room, which the Lakers valued enough to keep them around.
The move also signals head coach JJ Redick’s commitment to small-ball lineups featuring Rui Hachimura. Additionally, Kleber’s inclusion—despite his right foot injury—suggests the team is optimistic about his potential return during the postseason.
As the Lakers chase their 18th championship, their roster choices highlight a balance between talent and team cohesion, two factors that could define their playoff run.
Los Angeles Lakers take on the Minnesota Timeberwolves in blockbuster playoff clash
There will be fierce rivalry in the Lakers versus. Timberwolves playoff series, which begins on April 19 at Crypto.com Arena. Luka Dončić, who joins LeBron James and Austin Reaves as important scorers, has strengthened the Lakers' lineup. The Lakers are currently ranked third with a 50-32 record. The Timberwolves, who are ranked sixth at 49-33, have Anthony Edwards as an offensive threat and a potent defense.
Also read: [PHOTOS]: Luka Doncic switches to brand-new look ahead of Los Angeles Lakers Play-Off game against Timbs; intentional twinning with Austin Reaves?
This playoff clash is unexpected because both clubs split their regular-season series 2-2, but those games did not feature full rosters. Despite the lack of footage showing both teams playing at full strength, Lakers coach JJ Redick places a strong emphasis on preparation. The Lakers' size and defense will be put to the test in the series against Minnesota's adaptable and formidable defense.
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