Los Angeles Lakers Insider: Breaking News, Player Interviews & Highlights

Tag: JJ Redick coaching strategy

  • Lakers Drop Shocking Injury News Ahead of Game 5

    Lakers Drop Shocking Injury News Ahead of Game 5

    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.

  • What Happened to Austin Reaves? Lakers Share Injury Details

    What Happened to Austin Reaves? Lakers Share Injury Details

    The Lakers took a tough hit on Thursday night against the Chicago Bulls. That was their fourth loss in just five games. They’re clinging to that No. 4 seed in the Western Conference—though they’re actually tied with the Memphis Grizzlies right now. That means every game from here on out is a must-win for playoff positioning.

    As the Lakers get ready to face off against the Grizzlies this Saturday, they’ve got another challenge to navigate: an injury report on key player Austin Reaves. Here’s what we know so far about that situation.

    Austin Reaves’ Injury Raises Red Flags

    Reaves, who has been one of the Lakers’ best players this season, is on the injury report with an ankle issue after the loss to the Bulls. The 26 year old guard has been incredibly durable this season missing only 8 games so far, but this could be a problem for the Lakers as they head into the playoffs.

    The team has listed Reaves as “questionable” for Saturday, so his status will be determined closer to tip off. For a team that can’t find any consistency, losing Reaves even for a game would be a big deal.

    Why Reaves Is So Important to the Lakers?

    Austin Reaves is in his fourth NBA season-and already he’s become the kind of player the Lakers can’t afford to lose. That was especially clear in Saturday’s high-stakes game against Memphis. He’s the one who can contribute in so many ways- and make-or-break a game with his presence. Or absence.

    This season, Reaves is putting up 19.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.1 steals per game – numbers that show just how much he’s grown as both a scorer and playmaker. But what really sets him apart is the way he can affect a game on both ends of the court. He can create shots off the dribble, knock down three-pointers, and defend all sorts of positions. That kind of versatility-and the energy that comes with it-is what makes him so indispensable to the Lakers.

    A Pivotal Game Against the Grizzlies

    Saturday’s game against the Grizzlies is where the real positioning in the Western Conference standings begins to take shape. The Lakers and Grizzlies are tied for that No. 4 seed-and that tiebreaker is exactly what’s on the line. A win for either team would give them a little breathing room heading into the final stretch of the regular season.

    For the Lakers, this is their chance to get that momentum back on track after a rough patch. But with Reaves’ status up in the air, the pressure really does fall on LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and the rest of the roster to pick up the slack if their starting guard is out. That’s a lot to ask.

    Health Takes Priority Over Wins

    While winning is important, being healthy is probably the Lakers’ number one priority right now. With only a couple of weeks left before the playoffs, any extended absence from Reaves could kill their playoff hopes.

    If Reaves can’t play against the Grizzlies or, worse, has to miss an extended period, then coach J.J. will have to adjust the rotations and rely more on role players. That’s not ideal for a team that’s already struggling with inconsistency.

    But the Lakers have to weigh the risks and rewards. Rushing Reaves back too soon could lead to further injury, which would be way worse than losing one game. Fingers crossed if Reaves sits out against Memphis he’ll be back soon and 100%.