The Los Angeles Lakers have been making headlines for blockbuster trades and playoff pushes, but a forgotten piece of their frontcourt just took a major step forward. Maxi Kleber, sidelined since undergoing right foot surgery on January 30, has progressed to on-court activities—fueling hopes that he could return just in time for the postseason.

But while Kleber’s recovery is a welcome update, trade rumors surrounding the Lakers are stealing the spotlight. Could Austin Reaves be on the move in a massive deal for Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid?

The Lakers acquired Kleber in February as part of the Luka Doncic trade, but he has yet to suit up for the team due to his foot surgery. Now, with Kleber finally participating in on-court activities, the Lakers are taking a cautious approach to his return. There’s no official timetable yet, but the expectation is that he could be back by mid-April—just in time to add depth for a deep playoff run.

Kleber’s versatility as a stretch big is exactly what the Lakers need. Without Anthony Davis, who was sent to Dallas in the Doncic trade, the team has lacked a true defensive anchor. Jaxson Hayes has stepped up, but he isn’t the multi-dimensional big man LA needs to dominate the paint.

If Kleber returns at full strength, he could be a game-changer—spacing the floor, defending multiple positions, and giving Luka another reliable pick-and-pop option.

Lakers are linked to a $192M Joel Embiid trade

Even as the Lakers await Kleber’s return, rumors are swirling about a potential blockbuster trade that could shake up the franchise. There are several trade speculations that the Lakers are considering a deal that would send Austin Reaves and multiple assets to Philadelphia in exchange for Joel Embiid.

With Embiid undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery and the Sixers’ future uncertain, speculation is growing that Philly might explore a rebuild. If they land a top draft pick, would they consider starting fresh without their injury-prone superstar?

For the Lakers, gaining Embiid would be an instant title move. But it wouldn’t come without risks. Embiid has struggled with lower-body injuries throughout his career, and his massive $192 million contract adds financial pressure.

If the Lakers pull off a trade for Joel Embiid, it could be the move that puts them over the top. Pairing him with LeBron James and Luka Doncic would give LA a dream trio—one that combines elite scoring, playmaking, and defensive dominance. Embiid’s got everything you want in a superstar big: he’s a force in the paint, he can stretch the floor (shooting 38.8% from three last season), and when healthy, he’s one of the best two-way players in the league.

Just look at his numbers from the 2023-24 season: 34.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game while shooting 52.9% from the field. Those are straight-up MVP numbers (which makes sense, since he was the 2022-23 MVP). His ability to dominate inside and still be a threat from deep would open up endless possibilities for LeBron and Luka to operate.

But here’s the catch—health. That’s the only thing standing between Embiid and true Lakers superstardom. This season, he was limited to just 19 games because of knee issues, averaging 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. That’s still great, but if the Lakers are giving up a fan favorite like Austin Reaves and multiple assets for him, they have to be absolutely sure his body will hold up.

Would the Lakers be willing to part with Reaves—a fan favorite and a key contributor—for a high-risk, high-reward superstar? That remains to be seen, but as the offseason approaches, all eyes are on LA.

Before any trades happen, the Lakers have business to handle on the court. They face the Golden State Warriors in a crucial matchup on April 3, with both teams jockeying for playoff positioning.

The Lakers (46-29) currently hold the third seed in the Western Conference, while the Warriors (44-31) sit in fifth. LA has dominated Golden State this season, winning all three previous matchups, but with Stephen Curry coming off a 52-point explosion, the Warriors are a dangerous threat.

As Kleber inches closer to a return and trade speculation heats up, the Lakers are at a pivotal moment. Whether they stick with their current roster or make another massive move, one thing is certain—LA isn’t done making headlines.