The Lakers played the same five-man lineup the entire second half of Game 4, a decision head coach JJ Redick said was not planned.
When the Lakers completed the trade for Luka Dončić — and also failed to make a deal for Mark Williams — it more-or-less married them to a flawed roster the rest of the season. The argument was simple: the future is brighter with Luka, but the present was far murkier.
Strong play from the Lakers in the second half of the regular season might have covered some flaws...