The Los Angeles Lakers’ big positional weakness is the center position, where they have starter Jaxson Hayes, someone who is best suited to being a backup, and G League players Christian Koloko and Trey Jemison III, both of whom are on two-way contracts.
The center spot will not significantly improve until possibly this offseason, when the Lakers can explore making an addition there through the trade market of free agency. However, they could be getting a bit of help there soon.
Big man Maxi Kleber, who was included in the Luka Doncic trade, has been unable to play due to a broken foot. But he has now been cleared to perform on-court activities, which means his Lakers debut could come not too long from now.
Kleber, who is 6-foot-10 and 240 pounds, was struggling before undergoing surgery in late January. On the season, he has shot just 38.5% from the field and 26.5% from 3-point range.
But historically, he has been a decent outside shooter and a solid defender. If he does return soon enough, perhaps he could carve out some minutes in head coach JJ Redick’s rotation, although it isn’t a given he will do so, given how close the team is to the playoffs.
Including Thursday’s game versus the Golden State Warriors, the Lakers have just seven games remaining in the regular season.
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