The LA Lakers upgraded Maxi Kleber to questionable on Tuesday ahead of Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday. Kleber, who has not debuted for his new team, underwent surgery to his right foot on Jan. 30. He could get significant minutes if he is cleared to play for the Lakers’ must-win game.
Jaxson Hayes has started for the Lakers at center in the playoffs but only averages 7.5 minutes per game. JJ Redick has kept Hayes out in late-game situations. The big man did not play in the entire second half of Game 4.
Kleber often played center for the Dallas Mavericks before he was traded to the LA Lakers in the Luka Doncic deal. The 6-foot-10 forward’s floor-spacing game and playoff experience could give him the edge over Hayes in the rotation.
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Kleber has averaged 6.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists in his career, all with the Mavericks. He is a career 35.4% shooter from behind the arc despite hitting 26.5% this season. The LA Lakers will be hopeful he gets his shooting touch back for the win-or-go-home showdown against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The German is also more mobile and switchable in the perimeter than Jaxson Hayes. More importantly, he has excellent chemistry with Luka Doncic, who he played with for six seasons in Dallas.
LA Lakers fans react to their team upgrading Maxi Kleber to questionable for Game 5
With the LA Lakers’ season on the line, the team’s supporters are eagerly monitoring every update ahead of Game 5. The announcement of Maxi Kleber going from out to questionable quickly caught their attention. Many of the fans promptly reacted to the news:
“Lakers in 7”
One fan said:
“JJ doesn’t use the bench so it’s nice they let him dress.”
Another fan added:
“Yeah bc in an elimination game we are gonna play some dude who hasn’t played in four months.
@calilakers1970 continued:
“At least some offense and five fouls….give us”
@jordanumbers commented:
“Wow ant man is shaking”
The LA Lakers have struggled to get anything from the center position in the playoffs. JJ Redick might try something to give his team a boost. Maxi Kleber could give them a lift even if it would likely be in limited minutes.
Most Laker fans do not see Kleber contributing anything if he plays at all. If given the green light, Redick could be desperate enough to give him a try.
alt=”Michael Macasero” height=”72″ width=”72″>
Edited by Michael Macasero
