The Los Angeles Lakers face a critical Game 5 in their playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, with the team grappling with size issues on the frontline. With only Jaxson Hayes as the rotational player taller than 6-foot-9, the Lakers urgently need help. Maxi Kleber, who was expected to return from foot surgery after being traded from the Dallas Mavericks, could be the answer. Head coach JJ Redick has confirmed that Kleber will be available for this decisive game.

Kleber, known for his defensive and three-point shooting skills, can play both the power forward and center positions. His return could provide the Lakers with the necessary depth and versatility as they attempt to stave off elimination in the playoffs.

Maxi Kleber is on the verge of making a comeback for the Los Angeles Lakers as they face a pivotal Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. After undergoing foot surgery in January, Kleber has been sidelined but was recently spotted warming up on the court, signaling a potential return to play. The Lakers are in a crucial situation, trailing the series 3-1, making his possible inclusion significant.

While Kleber's skill set as a stretch-big could provide a much-needed offensive boost, questions remain about his compatibility with the team's current roster, as he has yet to play alongside his new teammates. Nonetheless, his playoff experience and proven shooting ability could prove invaluable in this do-or-die matchup.

The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in a precarious position in their NBA playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, trailing 3-1 after a narrow 116-113 loss in Game 4. As they prepare for a crucial Game 5, scheduled for Wednesday, the Lakers have listed recently acquired big man Maxi Kleber as questionable to play. This unexpected development has ignited mixed reactions among fans, with many expressing skepticism regarding Kleber's potential impact, given his limited contributions during the season.

Kleber, a 33-year-old forward/center, has been recovering since January from foot surgery, and while he resumed practice mid-April, his readiness for the pivotal game remains uncertain. With averages of only 3.0 points and 2.8 rebounds in 34 appearances for the Dallas Mavericks this season, fans are questioning whether he can provide the spark needed for the struggling Lakers in this must-win scenario.

JJ Redick's desperate search for bench help has reached a critical point during the first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Relying solely on his five-man core of LeBron James, Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Dorian Finney-Smith, Redick opted for no substitutions in Game 4's second half—a first in playoff history. As the Lakers face a daunting 3-1 deficit, there appears to be a glimmer of hope with the potential return of Maxi Kleber, upgraded to questionable status after foot surgery.

Kleber's experience could provide the Lakers with needed depth, especially given his successful stint against the Timberwolves last postseason. His ability to contribute, even in limited minutes, might help stabilize a bench that has struggled in this series. However, expectations should remain tempered, as a single player’s return is unlikely to swing the series in the Lakers' favor.

The Los Angeles Lakers face a daunting 3-1 deficit in their playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, putting them on the brink of elimination as they head home for Game 5 at Crypto.com Arena. Despite strong performances from stars LeBron James and Luka Doncic, consistent offensive production has been lacking from the rest of the team, leading head coach JJ Redick to rely heavily on a limited rotation. The absence of Maxi Kleber, acquired in the Doncic trade, due to foot surgery has further strained the lineup, though he may return for Game 5.