As the Los Angeles Lakers gear up for a crucial Game 3 against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Target Center, they’ve shared an important update regarding their roster. After several challenging weeks, the Lakers are finally healthy, with no injuries listed for the first time in a while.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the only player not available for the Lakers in Game 3 is Maxi Kleber, who is still recovering from right foot surgery. Kleber, who hasn’t played since January, has yet to make his Lakers debut. While he is progressing, his return date remains unclear, and fans are uncertain if he will rejoin the team during this playoff run.
Although Kleber isn’t a key player in the league, his size and shooting could offer valuable depth for the Lakers’ frontcourt. Still, with the Lakers performing well without him, they aren’t overly reliant on his return. However, what the team desperately needs is LeBron James at full strength. After a minor injury scare in Game 2, where James scored 21 points on 42.1% shooting, fans were concerned about his fitness. Those worries were quickly alleviated, as LeBron wasn’t listed as questionable for Game 3, reaffirming that he’s focused on playoff success.
The Timberwolves, with the exception of Rob Dillingham, who is day-to-day due to an ankle injury, are at full strength for their home playoff game. With both teams at full strength and similar regular-season records, this series promises to be competitive. In Game 1, the Timberwolves took advantage of their size and physicality, while the Lakers balanced their scoring in Game 2.
With thorough preparation and a strategy from LeBron James and JJ Redick, the Lakers feel confident about their chances to progress to the next round. The key to victory lies in stealing at least one game on the road. If the Lakers can take Game 3, they will have a chance to go up 2-1 and put pressure on the Timberwolves, forcing them to win Game 4 to avoid a 3-1 deficit. With nearly all players available, there are no excuses for either side, and only the better team will prevail.
