By trailing 3-1 in the playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers must roll up their socks and prepare to toil in Game 5 against the feisty Minnesota Timberwolves squad. Yet, in the latest injury news for the Lakers, Maxi Kleber could debut for the franchise after being listed as questionable.
The player arrived with Luka Dončić during the trade but has been injured since January 25, 2025. He’s nursing an injury after surgery on his right foot, which kept him on the sidelines. With the Lakers needing a victory, Kleber’s arrival offers respite for the team.
Moreover, fans had their say on the starting lineup, and some wanted Bronny James with Kleber’s injury status turning to questionable.
Maxi Kleber’s Potential Paves the Way for Fans To Predict Lineups
Right now, the Lakers’ regular lineup remains:
- PG – Luka Dončić
- SG – Austin Reaves
- SF – LeBron James
- PF – Rui Hachimura
- C – Jaxson Hayes
With Kleber’s arrival, the fans want a better starting lineup. JJ Redick stated the final starting five “is set to be determined.” This user mentioned, “Bronny confirmed” for Game 5.
Bronny confirmed https://t.co/uIgLoQNmm3
— Stephen A. Spliff (@BkJay_Early) April 30, 2025
After arriving to play with his father and making history, he went off the radar for a few months. However, the player recently stepped up to the plate and showed off his scoring arsenal.
He came on fire against the Milwaukee Bucks on March 20, 2025, scoring 17 points, three rebounds, and five assists to shock the fans. This user commented, “Bronny gonna get the nod?” for Game 5.
In the meantime, Austin Reaves was averaging 17.3 points but shooting a low FG% of 42.4. Some fans called for him to get on the bench. One user replied, “Slide Reaves to the sixth man role.”
Likewise, Kleber could be pivotal for the Lakers after spending 7+ years with the Dallas Mavericks. During those years, he averaged just 6.4 points; his only reasonable season was 2019-20, when he averaged 9.1 points. Kleber’s comeback forced a fan to express, “This probably means Jaxon is not playing.”
Another fan commented, “Bench LeBron and start Bronny,” as they wanted King James to drop to the bench. But if James goes to the bench, they will miss his 26.3 points, 9.5 rebounds, and playmaking skills in this series, with 5.5 assists per game. He also shoots well, with a FG% of 50.7.
One user cited, “We wanna see Dalton get minutes.” The Lakers let go of Dalton Knecht to get Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets. However, the trade got rescinded at the last minute, and Knecht remained a Laker. Thus, this fan wants him in the lineup, as he once scored 37 points against the Utah Jazz.
To summarize, Kleber’s arrival gives Redick multiple options, as Game 5 could be the Lakers’ make-or-break moment.
