78 Regular Season Games, Just 4 Playoff Minutes: Lakers’ Decision Leaves Fans Stunned

In one of the most head-scratching decisions of the NBA postseason, the Los Angeles Lakers benched a player who had featured in 78 regular season games, giving him just 4 minutes of court time throughout their entire playoff series. This has left Lakers fans fuming, puzzled, and demanding answers from both the coaching staff and front office.

The Ironman Ignored

The player in question was one of the most consistent contributors during the Lakers’ regular season campaign. While not a superstar, his availability, hustle, and ability to adapt made him a crucial part of the rotation. Playing in 78 out of 82 games, he earned a reputation as the team’s ironman — someone who always showed up, stayed healthy, and did the dirty work. Yet when the stakes were at their highest in the playoffs, he was nowhere to be found.

Fans on social media erupted in confusion and outrage. “How do you not play the guy who gave you everything for 78 games?” one fan tweeted. Others questioned whether this was a coaching oversight or part of a deeper disconnect between management and the bench.

Postseason Rotation Shakeup

When playoff rotations tighten, coaches often prioritize experience and defense, but the complete exclusion of such a reliable player raised eyebrows. Coach JJ Redick had previously praised this player for his work ethic and basketball IQ back in early April. In a pre-playoff press conference, Redick called him “a glue guy that holds the bench unit together.”

So what changed? According to some reports, the Lakers were focused on going with a shortened eight-man rotation centered around LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and key defensive specialists. This strategy, however, backfired in their series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, where the Lakers were overwhelmed by depth and athleticism.

Fan Backlash and Media Scrutiny

It didn’t take long for sports media and fans alike to call out the Lakers’ rotation choices. Talk shows and podcasts lit up with criticism. ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins bluntly asked, “How do you sit the guy who was your most available and effort-driven player all year?”

Many fans suspect politics or hidden injuries, but no official injury report was filed, and the player in question was seen fully suited on the bench for each game. If there was a health issue, the organization hasn’t disclosed it. That silence has only fueled fan frustration.

The Player’s Subtle Response

The benched Laker has not publicly criticized the team but did post a cryptic message on Instagram after the series loss: a photo of himself from earlier in the season with the caption, “Always ready.” The post received thousands of likes and comments from fans expressing support and confusion.

Former Lakers like Metta Sandiford-Artest and Michael Cooper also weighed in, with Cooper stating on his podcast, “That young man deserved better. If you trust him all year, you trust him now.”

Lakers’ Offseason Questions

The decision to bench such a dependable player has now become part of a larger conversation about the Lakers’ future. With LeBron James potentially considering retirement or a move, and head coach JJ Redick still under scrutiny as a rookie head coach, the team will need to justify decisions that left fans and analysts baffled.

Roster depth, development priorities, and internal dynamics will all come under review. If a player can be trusted to grind out 78 games but not be seen as useful for even 10 minutes of a playoff game, something in the Lakers’ evaluation process might be flawed.

Could This Player Leave LA?

While the player is under contract, several rival teams are reportedly monitoring the situation closely. If the Lakers cannot guarantee him a role next season, he may become a valuable trade piece or a candidate for a breakout season elsewhere.

One Western Conference scout told The Athletic, “He’s exactly the kind of guy playoff teams need — healthy, gritty, low ego, and coachable. If the Lakers can’t use him, we’ll take him.”

Lessons for the Lakers Front Office

This controversy reveals a deeper issue in how some franchises balance short-term strategy and long-term loyalty. Inconsistencies between regular season values and playoff usage can fracture trust — not just among fans but inside the locker room.

It’s now up to GM Rob Pelinka and the coaching staff to explain this decision and rebuild credibility heading into the offseason. Whether that includes a new role for the benched player or a trade, one thing is clear: fans won’t forget this slight any time soon.

The Bigger Picture

In a league where player loyalty is often questioned, this case flips the narrative: what happens when a team shows no loyalty to a loyal player? For all the talk about “availability being the best ability,” the Lakers seem to have ignored that mantra when it counted most.

As the Lakers head into an offseason full of uncertainty, the conversation will continue to circle back to one question: How could you play someone for 78 games, then ignore him completely when it mattered most?

If the Lakers want to reclaim their championship pedigree, they’ll need to start by respecting the grinders who helped get them there in the first place.