Maxi

Kleber

The Lakers are already without Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, so playing without LeBron will severely reduce their chances of winning. If LeBron is out, Nick Smith Jr., Maxi Kleber and Jarred Vanderbilt are all candidates to start in his place.

Ayton was downgraded from questionable to out as the Lakers look to rebound from Monday’s loss, a game in which the former first-overall pick posted a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double. With Ayton now sidelined, Maxi Kleber and Jaxson Hayes could see more minutes than usual.

Kleber’s return is timely, as Rui Hachimura and Marcus Smart will both be sidelined. Extra playing time could be available for Kleber, but he’s not worth rostering in fantasy hoops.

Hachimura’s availability is more impactful, as he has consistently logged rotation minutes off the bench. If he can’t play on Monday, Jarred Vanderbilt could enter the rotation after picking up a DNP-CD in Saturday’s win over the Magic. As for Kleber, he has not appeared in a game since March 8. If available, his minutes are likely to be limited.

Monday’s game against the Rockets will be the fourth that Kleber has missed with a lumbar strain, and he’s going to miss a few games beyond that. According to Lakers head coach JJ Redick, the veteran forward has been shut down for five days and did not travel with the team for the start of its six-game road trip. There’s hope that Kleber will be able to rejoin the Lakers during the trip, but his availability does not affect fantasy basketball.

Kleber will miss a second straight game with a back injury, joining Jaxson Hayes on the sidelines. Jarred Vanderbilt will once again serve as Deandre Ayton’s primary backup, with Drew Timme possibly getting some run as well.

Like Jaxson Hayes, Kleber was a late scratch for Tuesday’s win over the Timberwolves. While his return would give the Lakers additional frontcourt depth, Kleber has not done enough to make an impact in fantasy basketball.

While the Lakers will have starting center Deandre Ayton for Tuesday’s game, they’re going to be shorthanded behind him. Kleber won’t be available, with the Lakers adding him to the injury report less than an hour before the scheduled tip time. Jarred Vanderbilt may play some backup center minutes, and Drew Timme could enter the rotation as well.

Kleber is available after missing the last two games with a lumbar sprain. While the veteran forward/could play rotation minutes, as LeBron James (elbow, foot) is a game-time call, Kleber is unlikely to do enough to affect fantasy basketball.

Kleber has not appeared in the Lakers’ last three games, the last two due to a lumbar sprain. With Deandre Ayton (knee) available, there may not be too many minutes available to Kleber if he’s allowed to play.