The Lakers were eliminated from the inside line and were fatally injured! Su Qun s tip: Can Antetokounmpo bet this summer break the deadlock?

On May 1, 2025, the Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Timberwolves 96-103 at home, ending the first round of the playoffs 1-4. 40-year-old James fought hard for 40 minutes, but he couldn't hide his fatigue. Behind the data of 22 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists in the game was the cruel reality that Gobert broke through the inside line by Gobert - 27 points, 24 rebounds and 9 frontcourt rebounds. Gobert felt like he was in a no-man's realm, while the Lakers team only grabbed 8 frontcourt rebounds. After the game, famous lip guru Su Qun hit the nail on the head: "The Lakers must pursue top inside and set high goals, such as Antetokounmpo!" This suggestion instantly triggered public opinion. Should the Lakers bet on Antetokounmpo this summer? So how to operate?

1. The inside collapse: The Lakers lost three fatal injuries

1. The penalty area became a sieve, and the five small lineup became a laughing stock

According to statistics, the Lakers lost points in the inside of the playoffs this time, ranking third from the bottom among all the teams in the playoffs, and were hit by their opponents by the game to score nearly 50 points in the penalty area. Facing the Timberwolves' double tower Gobert and Randall, coach Redick insisted on using Finney Smith to top the center at 2.01 meters, but he was played by Gobert as a toy. In the G5 life-and-death battle, Gobert made 13 of 15 shots and scored 27+24. The Lakers only had 8 frontcourt rebounds, while the opponent grabbed 18. Ironically, the Lakers had the opportunity to get center Mark Williams who averaged 15+10 per game in the mid-season trading, but failed due to physical examination problems and ended up suffering.

2. James was physically overdrawn, and tactical rigidity buried hidden dangers.

40-year-old James averaged 41 minutes per game in the playoffs, setting a new high in the past five years. Every time the physical fitness collapses at the end of the game, G5's life-and-death battle has caused continuous mistakes in the last three minutes to conquer the hope of chasing points. Redick is obsessed with the "Five Death Smalls", making James carry the double towers alone, and his tactics are single and over-reliable on veterans' personal attacks, resulting in an imbalance in the offense and defense of the whole team.

3. The bench was silent, and the lineup was not deep enough to compete for the championship. The Lakers averaged only scored 4 points per game in the series, while the Timberwolves scored more than 16 points. Reeves averaged 20 points per game to 16 points, with only 41% shooting percentage, and his defense became a loophole; although Doncic averaged 28+8+8, his defensive shortcomings were targeted and he was repeatedly invisible in the final quarter. The problems of the Lakers' aging lineup and weak rotation are infinitely magnified in the playoffs.

2. Su Qun offers suggestions: Why is Antetokounmpo the key to breaking the deadlock?

1. The offense and defense are integrated, perfectly filling the Lakers' shortcomings

Antetokounmpo averaged 33+15+6 per game in the playoffs this year, with both scoring, rebounding, defense and support. His ability to protect the basket can completely solve the problem of Lakers' loss in the penalty area. Su Qun analyzed that Antetokounmpo's mobility can not only partner with James to play fast attacks, but also land on the battlefield and hard-hit the inside line. His defensive coverage can also make up for Doncic's shortcomings.

2. The Bucks are in a dilemma, and the trading window has been 23 consecutive years of elimination in the first round of the playoffs. Lillard's Achilles tendon is in doubt after a serious injury. The team's salary explodes and there is no draft pick, and reconstruction is imminent. Antetokounmpo's contract expires in 2028, but as the Bucks' record fails year by year, he is very likely to apply for a deal this summer. The Lakers are likely to package the players in the team and add the first round pick to make a quote. If a third-party team wins over to take over the contract, the feasibility of the transaction will increase greatly.

3. Los Angeles' attractiveness far exceeds Milwaukee

Antetokounmpo once admitted: "If there is a better chance to win the championship, I will seize it." The Lakers have the second largest football market in the United States, with both business value and championship potential. If James frees up his salary space after retirement, the Lakers are even expected to sign Antetokounmpo directly to create a new dual core of Doncic + Antetokounmpo.

3. Risk of gambling: Three major problems for Lakers' management

1. With limited chips, how to impress the Bucks?

The Lakers only have first-round picks in 2029 and 2031, as well as young players such as Reeves and Hachimura Hiraki. Compared with the Thunder's 13 first-round picks, or the Warriors' package of Kumingga + Podjemsky + 3 first-round plans, the Lakers' chips are not competitive enough. If the Bucks ask for Doncic, the Lakers may be in a dilemma.

2. The countdown to James' retirement is not waiting for him. James will turn 41 next season, and his $52.6 million player option becomes the key. If he chooses to renew his contract with a salary cut, the Lakers can make room for signings; if he retires or leaves the team, the team needs to be rebuilt immediately. Although Antetokounmpo joining can continue the window of championship competition, the risk of James' decline in form still needs to be planned in advance.

3. The lineup adaptability is doubtful

Doncic needs a lot of ball rights, and Antetokounmpo also relies on breakthrough space. Can the two be compatible? If the "five small lineups" are used, Antetokounmpo's advantage in protecting the basket may be weakened. The Lakers also need to strengthen the 3D wing and substitute point guard, otherwise they will not be able to escape the cycle rhythm of "the three giants are exhausted and watching the bench".

4. Future Outlook: How should the Lakers break the deadlock?

1. Bet on Antetokounmpo and bet on a new era

If the transaction is successful, the Lakers can form the super three giants of Doncic + Antetokounmpo + James. Even if James retires, the dual cores can still support the championship framework in the next five years. Antetokounmpo's hard-solving ability and defensive system will completely change the Lakers' current situation of "strength from outside and doing things at the same time".

2. Practical strengthening, steady playing

If you fail to pursue Antetokounmpo, the Lakers should turn to cost-effective inside players, such as Capela of the Hawks and Kessler of the Jazz. At the same time, premium contracts need to be cleared, such as Vincent, Cleber, etc., to tap the potential of young players and reserve assets for the post-James era.

3. Change coaches and seek change, activate the lineup

Redick's on-the-spot command in the playoffs has been criticized. G5 abandoned Hayes and was superstitious about the five small players, which directly led to a collapse. If the Lakers hire experienced coaches, tactical diversity and locker room control may become a turning point.

Summary

The Lakers' 2025 season ended with a "high opening and low closing", but opportunities also lie in the crisis. The high-game Antetokounmpo is a high-risk and high-reward game. If successful, Los Angeles will regain Showtime glory; if it fails, it may fall into long-term reconstruction. As Su Qun said: "The Lakers need superstars, and they also need the courage to burn their boats." This summer, Pelinka's choice may determine the fate of the Lakers in the next ten years.