The Los Angeles Lakers are staring at elimination, and the pressure couldn’t be higher. After two gut-wrenching losses in Minneapolis, they return to Crypto.com Arena trailing the Minnesota Timberwolves 1-3 in the series. Now, with Game 5 looming large, fans are searching for any shred of good news, particularly regarding the health of key players.
Much of the focus is on Luka Doncic, who’s kept the Lakers afloat alongside LeBron James with his scoring brilliance. But as the purple and gold look to extend their postseason life, a new layer of intrigue has emerged with an unexpected update to the team’s injury report.
Injury Report: A huge surprise ahead
Surprisingly, Luka Doncic is not listed on the Lakers’ injury report ahead of Game 5, confirming that the Slovenian star is healthy and ready to go. Doncic has been one of the few bright spots for Los Angeles in this series, averaging a scorching 30.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. His shot creation, size, and composure have made him the most reliable offensive weapon the Lakers have had—especially in crunch time, where the team has otherwise collapsed.
Meanwhile, Maxi Kleber is the only Laker with a health designation. For the first time since being traded to L.A. in the February deal that brought Doncic from Dallas, Kleber has not been ruled out. Instead, he’s been upgraded to questionable, signaling a potential late-series return. Though he’s still recovering from right foot surgery, reports indicate he has been ramping up on-court activity and might be inching closer to game-ready status.
Lakers’ injury report for Game 5 tomorrow vs. MIN:
— Maxi Kleber is upgraded to questionable. pic.twitter.com/COoawBfm2H
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) April 30, 2025
While it’s too early to guarantee his availability for Game 5, Kleber’s presence—even in limited minutes—could be vital. Standing at 6-foot-10 and known for his versatile defense and floor spacing, Kleber could offer a critical boost to a Lakers frontcourt that has been overpowered by the Wolves’ interior play. His ability to hit threes and switch defensively is something the Lakers have sorely missed.
Beyond that, the Purple & Gold remain relatively healthy, but the impact of fatigue is hard to ignore. After Game 4, rookie head coach JJ Redick drew heavy criticism for running his starters—Doncic, LeBron, Reaves, Hayes, and Rui Hachimura—for 24 straight minutes in the second half without a break. With such tight rotations, the risk of in-game wear and tear becomes a serious concern, especially with Game 5 approaching fast.
Lakers running out of answers, what will Doncic do?
Injuries aren’t the only issue here—matchups have been a nightmare too. The Timberwolves’ bench is outplaying the Lakers’ role players, and Minnesota’s bigs have dominated the paint. The Lakers have struggled to secure defensive rebounds and have allowed too many second-chance opportunities. It’s part execution, part roster imbalance.
While Doncic and LeBron are doing everything they can offensively, the Lakers have no margin for error left. Doncic’s performances have been electric, but even he can’t carry a broken system alone. The team needs more production from Austin Reaves, Hachimura, and especially their second unit if they hope to flip the series.
Jan 23, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) dribbles the ball against the Boston Celtics at the Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Luka Doncic is locked in and ready to go for Game 5, and for the Lakers, that’s their best hope of survival. With Maxi Kleber upgraded to questionable, there’s a flicker of light at the end of the tunnel. But unless the team finds a way to protect the paint, get stops, and avoid Redick’s coaching missteps from Game 4, this playoff run could be over sooner than anyone expected.
Still, with Doncic in rhythm and a raucous L.A. crowd waiting to lift them, the Lakers aren’t ready to wave the white flag just yet. Game 5 tips off with their season—and pride—on the line.
The post Luka Doncic’s Status vs Timberwolves Confirmed as Forgotten Lakers Star Nears Return Ahead of Game 5 appeared first on EssentiallySports.
