The Los Angeles Lakers have a surprise for us before Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night. Forward Maxi Kleber, who has been out since January 25 with a right foot surgery, is upgraded to questionable and could make his Lakers debut tonight.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Kleber’s return comes at a perfect time for the Lakers who are down 3-1 in the series and need a win to avoid elimination. If he plays, it will be his first time in a Lakers uniform since he was acquired in the Luka Doncic trade.
Kleber played the first 7 1/2 seasons of his NBA career with the Dallas Mavericks and was a stretch-four known for his shooting. This season he averaged 3.0 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 34 games before his injury. His stats aren’t impressive but his floor spacing could be a big boost to the Lakers’ bench.
A Coaching Connection: JJ Redick’s Familiar Faces
Another layer of fun is that 5 current Lakers have played with head coach JJ Redick in their careers. Here are the 5:
- Luka Doncic (2021 Mavericks)
- Dorian Finney-Smith (2021 Mavericks)
- Maxi Kleber (2021 Mavericks)
- Shake Milton (2019 Philadelphia 76ers)
- Jaxson Hayes (2020 New Orleans Pelicans)
Redick took over as head coach midseason and now has a roster full of familiar faces. This has led to questions about how these connections will impact team chemistry and performance under pressure.
What Kleber Brings to the Table?
If he plays, Kleber could be a game-changer for the Lakers. He can stretch the floor with 3 point shooting and create space for Luka and LeBron to operate in the paint. Defensively, he can guard multiple positions and counter Minnesota’s athleticism. But there are concerns about how effective he’ll be after such a long layoff. Foot injuries can linger and it’s unclear how quickly he’ll get his rhythm back in playoff basketball.
Even limited minutes from Kleber could be a spark and some fresh options for the Lakers as they try to extend their season.
Game 5: Do-or-Die for the Lakers
Wednesday’s game at Crypto.com Arena is a crossroads for the Lakers. A loss ends their season, a win forces a Game 6 back in Minnesota on Friday. With their backs against the wall, every player, and every decision matters.
The Timberwolves have the edge going into Game 5, but the Lakers hope Kleber’s possible return and the desperation of being eliminated can flip the script. Fans will be watching to see if Kleber plays and what he can do in his Lakers debut.
Looking Ahead: The Bigger Picture
Whoever wins this series goes to face the Golden State Warriors or the Houston Rockets in the next round. The Warriors are up 3-1 in that series, so they’re one win away from advancing. For the Lakers, extending their season starts with winning Game 5, and Kleber’s status could be the deciding factor.
Leave a Reply