"He fixes our Naz Reid problem" - Lakers fans react as $33,000,000 center inches closer to return in elimination Game 5 

Lakers center Maxi Kleber is in contention to return from injury in Wednesday's elimination Game 5 matchup against the Timberwolves. In the second year of a $33,000,000 contract, Kleber was dealt to LA in February in the blockbuster trade swap, which saw Luka Doncic replace Anthony Davis.

Kleber has been recovering from a right foot surgery, delaying his debut for the Purple and Gold. He has sat out since Jan. 25. A career 35.4% 3-point shooter, Kleber could have fit in nicely at center this season if not for injury.

However, with the Lakers in survival mode, a season debut cannot be ruled out for the 6-foot-10 forward, especially amid the team's inability to match the Wolves' size.

After the Lakers upgraded Kleber's status to questionable for Game 5, fans delivered mixed reactions. One X user said Kleber could have been an apt answer for Wolves' sixth man, Naz Reid.

"He fixes our Naz Reid problem, but it might be too little too late at this point," the fan noted.

Another tweeted:

"no we could actually use him though"

One fan said:

"If Maxi Kleber saves the Lakers season some how it'll be the biggest plot twist"

Another mocked the optimism that Kleber's potential debut brings to the table:

One fan said:

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"He not gonna be in game shape he ain’t play in forever it’s ova"

Lakers coach JJ Redick undecided on starting lineup amid Maxi Kleber's return

Lakers coach JJ Redick has not disclosed his starting lineup for Game 5. Redick told reporters on Tuesday that he was yet to determine the players he would roll with in Wednesday's do-or-die matchup.

The Lakers started Dorian Finney-Smith in the second half of Game 4 and didn't change the lineup the rest of the way. Jaxson Hayes, the usual starting center, hasn't been effective. Rudy Gobert's presence at the rim has altered LA's plans with Hayes as a lob threat.

Playing five out with Finney-Smith has allowed the Lakers offense to have a better flow. Redick hasn't shied away from making bold decisions, as seen in Game 4, when he stuck with his closing lineup for the final 24 minutes, breaking a 30-year-old playoff record. While Maxi Kleber will likely stay out, it will be interesting to see if the rookie coach rolls the dice on the German center.

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