It's hard to believe it, but the 2024-25 NBA playoffs are almost here. The Los Angeles Lakers are in a good spot to make some noise this postseason, as a 46-29 record has them sitting in the Western Conference's No. 4 spot as of Apr. 2, leaving them just 2.5 games back of the Houston Rockets for second place.
In other words, the next few weeks will be crucial for the Lakers to build momentum before the playoffs. Although some players are more than doing their part in head coach JJ Redick's lineup, others' recent play has left much to be desired. Multiple underperformers [could be left out of the postseason rotation](https://lasportshub.com/lakers-forward-already-likely-to-be-benched-for-playoffs-01jqq0py0sax) if that doesn't change.
Here's a look at three Lakers who are currently on thin ice amid the team's playoff push.
1\. Shake Milton, PG/SG
-----------------------
After beginning the 2024-25 season with the Brooklyn Nets, Shake Milton was traded to the Lakers as a part of the December deal that [also involved Dorian Finney-Smith](https://lasportshub.com/lakers-veteran-playing-himself-new-contract-recent-performance-01jnezxr6vtz). The hope was that the former SMU product could bring some extra experience to Los Angeles' backcourt while playing under Redick, who is a former Philadelphia 76ers teammate of his from 2018-19.
While some players might step up when going from basement-dweller to a playoff contender, that hasn't been the case for Milton. The 28-year-old's performance has worsened since leaving Brooklyn, averaging 7.4 points per game on .465/.389/.758 splits in 27 games with the Nets to 3.8 PPG and .450/.300/.850 splits across 26 outings in a Lakers jersey.
Although a drop in minutes has played a role in his declining production, Milton's minus-3.0 offensive box plus/minus with the Lakers shows that Redick is making the smart decision in limiting his minutes.
As April begins, it's clear that Milton is firmly in the Lakers' doghouse. The Owasso, OK native hasn't touched the floor since a 146-115 loss to the Chicago Bulls on March 22, having ridden the bench for five straight games since then.
Unless he finds a way to convince Redick to give him more playing time, Milton will likely be riding the pine in the playoffs, too.