ESPN insider Ramona Shelburne explained JJ Redick's late-game decision to play Maxi Kleber instead of Rui Hachimura in the Lakers' final possession against the Thunder. The move was designed for screening and spacing, but it sparked heavy debate after the Los Angeles Lakers' 115-110 playoff loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
An interesting explanation has emerged about the late-game decision that put Maxi Kleber on the floor instead of Rui Hachimura in the final possession of the Los Angeles Lakers 115-110 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
ESPN insider Ramona Shelburne broke down the reasoning behind the move on social media, explaining the planned roles inside the play.
"The explanation I've heard is Kleber was in as a screener. Kennard a decoy (third option). AR or Bron was getting the shot. Smart was the passer. Kleber is a good screener and good with execution. Hence, he was in there over Rui. Neither was getting the ball. Kennard in there over Rui because of the gravity he creates," she wrote on X.
The idea, according to the report, was not for Kleber or Hachimura to finish the play, but to set up spacing and actions for the main shot creators.
The decision still drew strong reactions because of how the game was unfolding.
The Lakers were down 113-110 after a Chet Holmgren dunk and free throws from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, before Redick called a timeout to set up the final possession.
Even though Kleber's role was tied to screening and execution, many fans questioned why Hachimura was not on the floor, especially after his strong performance. He finished with 25 points on 9-of-15 shooting and 4-of-8 from three, continuing his efficient playoff run.
Austin Reaves ultimately took the final three-pointer after the action, but missed, sealing the Lakers' season-ending defeat.
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