It’s back to the drawing board for the LA Lakers after a sketchy March. A daunting schedule coupled with multiple injury woes has sent their form into a spiral. They were in blistering form, winning 8 on the bounce after signing Luka Doncic. Fast forward to April, and they’re on a 6-4 of 10 record with multiple defensive worries come playoffs. But the imminent return of Maxi Kleber could mean an upturn in fortunes on the cards.

How the Lakers fans have prayed for times like these. They looked like an unstoppable force with the Broncic partnership tearing the league apart. But their defensive vulnerability finally seeped in, which included a 146-115 howler against a Bulls side that was not in the best of shapes at the time. With Kleber seen shooting hoops at the Lakers practice earlier today, the outspoken plethora of Lakers fans flooded the comments of the X video put out by Athletic writer Jovan Buha.

The top comment reads, “If he played any other position it would make sense to just shut him down for the season. But we have a black hole at center in our depth chart so it’s worth a shot.” This along with another comment that reads “No one believes me but Maxi if healthy (huge if) was a key piece of the Mavs defense. He’s super switchable, guards bigs and wings, great shot blocker, and can hit 3s. Don’t know if that Maxi is here anymore but he could be huge for the playoffs in key minutes” outlines a clear narrative.

They didn’t trade Anthony Davis for nothing. Maxi Kleber’s move with Doncic kinda went under the radar due to the low profile. More so due to his foot injury that kept him from making his debut for the Lakers. This has led to the come uppance of Jaxson Hayes as the starting 5 in the team. But his lack of experience shows, and they’ll need a better option for the playoffs run in. With Maxi being a fantastic defensive center for the Mavs, can he emulate the same form for the Lakers?

Another comment read, “He’s a 6’10 floor spacer.. even if he only plays spot minutes, it’s another big body you can use when Jax sets if Vando/Goody doesn’t have it going.” This puts the argument of Hayes easing into the first team into question.

His minutes have increased exponentially this season. Luka Doncic bringing a new scoring element to his game is what’s grabbed the headlines so far. But the inconsistency in scoring as of late has been brought into question. He’s gotten just 5 points, 8 rebounds and 1 assist in the last 2 games, despite playing 31 minutes on the floor. If Jax is to become their best center option heading forward, he’ll need some consistency. But Kleber’s versatility to contribute on both fronts and veteran experience could help Hayes for the better.

But the counter narrative is set by a comment saying “If what’s in this clip is the most work they feel comfortable giving him rn then he is really far away.” With just 7 regular season games remaining, this could be worrying for them.

Lakers need options, and Lakers need options fast. They obviously don’t need the German to hit the ground running, but his movement from a third-person perspective really rings alarm bells for them. He’s effectively limping in the video. Giving him minutes this season might be a sign of desperation, which won’t play well with his long term health. Do you think bringing him in right now is the right option?

Regardless of Maxi Kleber’s situation, their 4th spot in the West is aided by the ballers showing up when it matters. The might of LeBron James even aged 40 is still evident, and the emergence of Austin Reaves as a solid rotational option has been box office. With both of them up for some end of the season awards, JJ Redick has made his side clear on the debate.

JJ Redick- “MIP award misinterpreted”

Austin Reaves has been the NBA ‘white boy’ for a good while. For most of his college days, that’s what he was called. Well, this season has really put the narrative of ‘white men can’t jump’ to bed. And that’s thanks in part to Reaves’ emergence as a consistent starter.

Hillbilly Kobe has been their shining light since the turn of the year. His box numbers of 19.9/4.5/5.9 are all major improvements from last years numbers. This has gotten him into the running for this year’s Most Improved Player honours. But does JJ care about that? “I hate that award ’cause they fail to define it. And I think the spirit of it [context]. Just call it the ‘high draft pick has a max contract and now is an all star.’ Just call it that award, ’cause that’s what it become.” If Reaves does end up winning the award, it does feel thouroughly deserved.

What JJ did end up commenting on was LeBron James needing to be in the All-NBA team. Even aged 40, he knows the value of the King. According to the MVP race, Bron is still in the top 10. This is never seen before from anyone at that age in any sport. Record after record, LBJ’s 14th inclusion in the All-NBA team will just stamp his authority of being the undisputed greatest of all time.

The Lakers could really take ownership of the championship with the imminent return of Maxi Kleber. The fans are divided. But the one thing they’re united about is JJ Redick‘s opinion on Austin Reaves winning the MIP, and Bron winning the All-NBA honours.