Los Angeles LED’s 2025 playoff runs ended with a 4–1 first round defeat for Minnesota Timberwells. Despite covering two superstars in Labron James and Luka Donic, the team struggled throughout the series, especially in the frontcourt.
Timberwells exploited the lack of the size of the lax, dominating the paint and highlighting the defensive weaknesses. Rudy Gobert’s commanding appearance was particularly impressive in the series-taking game 5, where it ended with 27 points and 24 rebounds.
Anthony Davis’s departure in Donic Trade left Laks without a major internal guard. A revived trade for Mark Williams made the issue more complicated, leaving Jackson Hayes as the team’s only traditional center.
The Timberwells Center Rudy Gobert (27) gets a rebound against Austin Reavs (15) and forward Lebron James (23). Gary A & Period; Vaskes-Imagon Picture
This depth deficiency was clear as the team struggled to include Minnesota’s paint appearance. In response, Rob Pelinka, president of the basketball operation, indicated some changes in the offsen, stating that a primary target would have to add size to the position of the center (through ESPN) Dave McMenamin,
According to Jovan Buha of the athletic, Laks is considering Nick Claxton with Daniel Gford, who is the partner of a former team of Donic, as a realistic center option. Tim McMahon of ESPN also swam Ghafford as a fictional and targetHoop collectivepodcast.
Lakes Offsen Preview: Center Business Options; Austin, fit with Lebron Luka; JJ Question (with) @Jovanbuha, https://t.co/xrvuadnbds
– Anthony F. Irwin (@anthonyirwinla) May 9, 2025
A 6’11 “center for Brooklyn Nets is known for its defensive versatility and athleticism, while Gaford stands on 6’10, played an important role with Donic in Dallas, contributed to the success of MAVERX in reaching the NBA final in the last season.
As Laks Offsen enters, it is paramount to address zero in the position of the center. With limited cap space and draft assets, strategic acquisitions such as Claxton or Gford may be important in re -establishing the team’s competition at the Western Conference in the next season.
Related: Austin Reeves decides after the loss to Lakes Timberwells
Related: Len’s fans are upset with Rob Pelinka News on Tuesday