The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the NBA playoffs, which begin on Saturday.

The Lakers finished the season as the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference after making a blockbuster midseason trade for Luka Doncic to give LeBron James a new co-star in Los Angeles.

As the franchise chases its 18th championship, the first step is a matchup with Anthony Edwards and No. 6 Minnesota.

Only 15 players can make the final roster for the NBA playoffs, leaving the Lakers to make some difficult decisions amid a looming concern about losing team chemistry in the postseason.

While rarely-used rookie Bronny James and injured forward Maxi Kleber made the 15-man squad, there was no room for centers Trey Jemison III and Christian Koloko, who were on two-way contracts.

But that wasn’t the end of the story for Jemison and Koloko.

According to ESPN NBA reporter Dave McMenamin, the two playoff roster casualties practiced with JJ Redick’s team on Tuesday and “will be with the team for the playoff run” despite being ineligible to play in any postseason games.

McMenamin reported on X that the Lakers “liked the chemistry of the group” during the regular season, which included Jemison and Koloko, and wanted to keep that dynamic together for the playoffs. team chemistry through the roof omg https://t.co/ANTFMQZgiq — beez (@BeezRogue) April 16, 2025 Koloko appeared in 37 games during the regular season, while Jemison played just 22.

Both averaged less than three points per game, but their retention in the practice squad reflected the positive impact they had on the team beyond the court.

The move signaled that Redick’s preference for small-ball lineups around Rui Hachimura will continue in the playoffs.

It also provided hope among fans that Kleber may return from his right foot injury sooner rather than later.