It’s rare that one moment in a game can end an entire season.
But for frustrated fans of Lakers Nation, they’re taking out their anger on head coach JJ Redick.
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With 12.2 seconds remaining in Game 4, the Lakers were trailing 113-110 when Redick called a timeout. As the Lakers broke the huddle, it made sense to see LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart take the court.
However, it was that fifth player that had everyone in the arena — including the announcers — questioning what was going on.
Maxi Kleber — the same Maxi Kleber who spent the previous 47 minutes and 48 seconds of game time sitting on the bench — took off his warmups and trotted out to take his place among the four others.
Meanwhile, Rui Hachimura — who 25 points on 4-of-8 from three, including a four-point play a minute earlier — took Kleber’s spot on the bench.
In the end, Reaves got a good look at a deep three — off a screen by Kleber — that clanged off the rim and ended the Lakers season.
It’s understandable why fans are mad at Redick regarding the move, but in a way it make a lot of sense.
Realistically, the ball was going to be shot by either James or Reaves. Kennard, who led the league after knocking down 47.8% of his threes, had to be out there as a decoy at the very least. Smart has a knack for knocking down big shot so his spot made sense.
It then came down to Hachimura, who was going to be the fourth option at best, or Kleber, a much better screen-setter. Considering that role was going to be a screener at the most, Kleber made a lot of sense and Redick got it right.
It might not be what Lakers fans want to hear, but Redick has earned the benefit of the doubt after another impressive season.