Thu May 01 03:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Lakers Face Crucial Decision: Bench Jaxson Hayes?

**Los Angeles, CA** – With the Lakers trailing the Minnesota Timberwolves 2-1 in their playoff series, questions are swirling around the team’s starting center, Jaxson Hayes. His significantly diminished playing time, down to single-digit minutes in recent games, has sparked debate over whether he should be removed from the starting lineup.

Hayes, initially expected to play a key role against the Wolves’ Rudy Gobert, has struggled to make an impact. Coach JJ Redick has expressed continued belief in Hayes, but his limited effectiveness has led to calls for a change. The coach stated after Game 3, “We’ll look at everything,” hinting at potential lineup adjustments.

The most likely replacement is Dorian Finney-Smith, who has consistently delivered strong performances off the bench, logging significant minutes in Games 2 and 3. However, the Lakers lack a true center to fill Hayes’ minutes, leading to speculation that his playing time could be redistributed amongst other players, such as Jordan Goodwin or Jarred Vanderbilt.

While Game 4 isn’t technically a must-win, a Lakers victory would dramatically shift the series momentum. This urgency, coupled with Hayes’ struggles, suggests that benching him and starting Finney-Smith could be a necessary risk for the Lakers. The team’s playoff success may depend on optimizing its starting five, even if it means sacrificing a nominal starter. The quick turnaround before Game 4 adds another layer of complexity to the decision, but the pressure is mounting for Redick to make a decisive move.

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