The Los Angeles Lakers acquired the ideal small-ball stretch five in the Luka Doncic trade, but Maxi Kleber can never optimize that role because he can’t stay healthy. He is currently dealing with a minor quad injury, but the litany of soft tissue problems should keep the LA from counting on him. Kleber has played just 114 games in the last three seasons combined, and the latest injury is just another sign of decline.
Head coach JJ Redick would love to use Kleber as his backup center. The Lakers played five-out for the majority of the time after trading for Luka Doncic last season. Going small and stretching the floor is crucial to the Lakers’ attack. Redick even gave Kleber five minutes in their elimination game against the Timberwolves in his first healthy action since Jan. 25. The coach clearly believes in the big man, but availability is crucial.
The Mavericks were eager to dump his contract in the worst trade of all time, despite Kleber’s versatility, shooting, and rim protection chops. Dallas wants to contend, and the 6’10 big man is a ceiling raiser in the playoffs. It is his health that made the Mavericks eager to move on from his soon-to-be expiring salary.
Lakers got Maxi Kleber because he can’t stay healthy
Kleber played a key bench role in the Mavericks’ reaching the conference finals in 2022. He averaged more than 25 minutes per game in the playoffs and shot 43.6 percent from 3-point range. The 6’10 forward hit several key shots, and Dallas likely doesn’t win Games 3 and 4 in the second round against the Suns without his 25 points.
Kleber played a key role again in 2024 before suffering a shoulder injury in the first round against the Clippers. He missed nine games, but Kleber returned for the last two games of the conference finals. Head coach Jason Kidd immediately had him back in the nightly rotation and used him in all five NBA Finals games.
The 6’10 big man has a proven track record of making an impact on both ends of the floor and struggling to stay healthy. He played 70-plus games in his first three NBA seasons and has averaged just 44.6 per year over the last five years. The nagging injuries are piling up for the 33-year-old, and it is fair to question how much gas is left in the tank.
The Dallas Mavericks were fine giving up on him because Maxi Kleber can’t stay healthy enough to live up to his contract. The 33-year-old will be a minimum player after this season and may struggle to find a job if he plays in fewer than 40 games again this year. The injuries are adding up, and every dollar counts in the second apron era.
The Los Angeles Lakers hope Maxi Kleber is finally healthy and fills their backup center role this season. He has spent years playing with Luka Doncic and can be impactful on both ends of the floor. It has been a struggle to play in recent years, and he is already on the sidelines. Things are not looking promising, but fans shouldn’t lose hope. Kleber can make an impact if he can finally stay healthy.