That was prevalent at a more granular level within the Western Conference semifinals. Minnesota was not picked by many to down the defending champs in Denver, but then the Wolves took Game 1. Gobert’s absence in Game 2 made Minnesota a heavy underdog again, and the Wolves ran roughshod over the Nuggets.

Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick needs to make adjustments to help out LeBron James and Luka Doncic against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Outworked and outplayed by Minnesota in Game One, the Lakers know they must find some toughness if they are to bounce back in the first round of the NBA playoffs while the league hopes LA's biggest stars stick around long enough to boost viewing figures.