It’s rare that one moment in a game can end an entire season.
But for frustrated fans of Lakers Nation, they’re taking out their anger onhead coach JJ Redick.
With 12.2 seconds remaining in Game 4, theLakers were trailing 113-110when Redick called a timeout. As the Lakers broke the huddle, it made sense to see LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart take the court.
However, it was that fifth player that had everyone in the arena — including the announcers — questioning what was going on.
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Maxi Kleber — the same Maxi Kleber who spent the previous 47 minutes and 48 seconds of game time sitting on the bench — took off his warmups and trotted out to take his place among the four others.
Meanwhile, Rui Hachimura — who 25 points on 4-of-8 from three, including a four-point play a minute earlier — took Kleber’s spot on the bench.
Rui Hachimura in 2026 playoffs:33-58 3PT (56.9%)Not on the floor for Lakers' possession needing a 3.Thunder win and sweep.pic.twitter.com/JbRSegN5uU
JJ Redick watched Rui Hachimura do this and sat him on the bench in the final secondspic.twitter.com/tQsy00Cn0Y
In the end, Reaves got a good look at a deep three — off a screen by Kleber — that clanged off the rim andended the Lakers season.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
