Lakers Rule Out Player for Game 2 Against Timberwolves

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | Last updated Apr 21, 2025 7:32 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs on Saturday at Crypto.com Arena. Unable to contain Minnesota’s offensive attack, particularly from deep, LA saw the Timberwolves convert on 21 of their 42 attempts from 3-point range.

It was an uncharacteristically poor showing offensively from LeBron James, who finished with just 19 points on 18 field goal attempts. He was on the injury report entering this contest, listed as probable with a left hip flexor strain.

James ended up playing 36 minutes in the losing effort, but he was not the only Lakers player on the injury report.

Entering Game 1, the Lakers announced that Maxi Kleber had been ruled out due to right foot surgery recovery. Kleber was acquired from the Dallas Mavericks as part of the Luka Doncic trade and has yet to make his season debut.

The Lakers announced on Monday that he remains out for Game 2 with the same injury designation. He is the only player ruled out for LA.

Lakers injury report ahead of Game 2: pic.twitter.com/EQsC9TQog6
— Trevor Lane (@Trevor_Lane) April 21, 2025

While Kleber is not yet ready to appear in game action, a return at some point this postseason seems possible. Lakers head coach JJ Redick told reporters before the playoffs began that Kleber went through a full practice with the team, indicating a return was near (via Ryan Ward of Lakers Nation).

That return will not come in Game 2, but the Lakers will have the rest of their roster available. In his eighth NBA season, Kleber owns career averages of 6.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists on 35.4% from 3-point range.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: