Everything comes down to this one Game 5 for the LA Lakers. If they win, then Game 6 vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves is inevitable. However, if they lose, then get going- chop, chop! Does this sound a little brutal to you? Well, it’s the truth that even JJ Redick knows. Not coming up with a perfect plan to contain Anthony Edwards has cost LeBron James & Co., and they’re facing the consequences

So, heading into Wednesday’s game, the Lakers will have the “win, no matter what” mentality. That’s the only thing that can save them from losing the series. But amidst all the demands for LA’s upgraded game, there’s something more troubling looming at large. Once again, Markief Morris’s twin, Marcus Morris, noticed the grave error.

Handling Ant is nearly impossible, but at least attempt! “Why is Anthony Edwards in one-on-one in a sentence in a playoff game?” Marcus Morris asked during a conversation with Kevin O’Connor. “Like, why is he playing one-on-one? Luka’s not playing one-on-one. They bring in a double team every time they get a chance.” Morris’s objective here is simple: How is JJ Redick using a 1-on-1 tactic to stop Edwards, whereas the Wolves are using the double team to stop Luka or even LeBron James?

It’s not a hidden fact that Anthony Edwards is the biggest threat on the court. However, the Los Angeles Lakers’ defense isn’t ready to guard the guard. Comparing the 23-year-old’s recent performance with Michael Jordan’s, Morris added: “If I’m up 11, the only way they’re coming back to win this game is if Anthony Edwards changes number from whatever it is to 23. Like he has been doing. Like looking like Michael Jordan and pulling up for threes, getting to the lane, getting fouled.”

“What I’m not okay with is Anthony Edwards being able to take over a game by just playing one-on-one because we believe in our defenders,” Marcus Morris further criticized JJ Redick’s strategy. Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards is lighting up the playoffs with 29.8 points, 7.8 boards, and 5.8 dimes in 40.5 minutes. He’s shooting 45.2 percent overall and 43.2 percent from deep while hitting 82.6 percent of his free throws. In Game 4, he exploded for 43 points with 16 in the fourth. The Wolves stole a 116 to 113 win and now lead the series 3 to 1.

Meanwhile, Everyone knows Luka is not a defender, and that is no secret, but his offense still shifts the game just like the greats before him. Still, this series is not about him or even LeBron despite their big numbers. The real headline is Anthony Edwards is on fire, and Minnesota’s supporting cast is stealing the show. At the same time, there is a bigger threat looming at large for JJ Redick and LA to worry about.

JJ Redick’s Lakers face new threat ahead of Game 5 vs. the Wolves

Besides the fact that Anthony Edwards faced zero double teams in 70 isolations should be a threatening fact for JJ Redick to think about. However, this time, it’s the game officials who might be a bigger concern for the Los Angeles Lakers. John Goble will lead the officiating crew on Wednesday with James Williams and Ray Acosta by his side and Tre Maddox on standby.

The twist? The Wolves went 2 and 3 with Goble around, and opponents lit them up for 118.3 points a game in those matchups. That is the highest scoring average allowed with any ref who called at least three of their games. And yes, Goble has a rep for keeping that whistle busy. John Gobles is the brother of Jacyn Gobles, who came into the limelight after the questionable no-call decision in the Lakers vs the Nets game in the regular season.

It all comes down to Game 5 for the Lakers to win or go home. With Edwards on fire and no double teams in sight, JJ Redick is already in hot water. Add in a whistle-heavy ref crew, and the pressure is boiling. One slip and this series is gone.