However, their postseason run was short-lived, as they were eliminated in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games. In the aftermath of the early playoff exit, head coach JJ Redick emphasized the need for the team to get into "championship shape" during the offseason,

Los Angeles thought it had a solution at the five, trading for Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams... until the deal was undone due to a failed physical. The Lakers would ultim