Maxi Kleber’s Future with the Lakers Looks Uncertain Amid Ongoing Injury Struggles
Injuries are a part of the game - every NBA player knows that. But when they start piling up year after year, they can derail careers and force teams into tough decisions. That’s the reality facing the Los Angeles Lakers when it comes to Maxi Kleber, the 6-foot-10 forward who arrived in L.A. last season as part of the blockbuster Luka Dončić trade.
Kleber’s time in purple and gold has been anything but smooth. Since joining the Lakers, he’s spent more time on the injury report than on the court.
A fractured right foot kept him sidelined immediately after the trade, and a left oblique strain delayed his start to the current season. The result?
Kleber didn’t play a single regular-season game for the Lakers last year and has only suited up for 20 games so far this season.
When he has played, the production just hasn’t been there. Kleber is averaging 2.1 points and 1.9 rebounds per game, shooting 32.5% from the field and just 23.5% from three. For a team like the Lakers - who are constantly in win-now mode and looking to build out a deep, versatile bench - those numbers are hard to justify, especially from a veteran big.
At 33 years old, Kleber is at a crossroads. His injury history and declining output suggest he may be nearing the end of his NBA run.
If he wants to stick around in the league, it’s likely going to take a minimum contract and a reduced role. That’s a tough sell for a Lakers team that needs every roster spot to count in a competitive Western Conference.
There’s also the question of whether Kleber himself is ready for that kind of role. He has strong ties to Luka Dončić and a long career behind him in both the NBA and Europe. A return overseas isn’t out of the question, especially if the right opportunity doesn’t materialize stateside.
The Lakers haven’t made any official moves yet, but barring a dramatic turnaround in health or performance, it’s hard to see Kleber back in L.A. next season. The team needs reliable depth - players who can stay on the floor and contribute when called upon. Right now, Kleber simply hasn’t been able to provide that.
It’s a tough situation for both player and team. Kleber’s skill set - particularly his ability to stretch the floor and defend multiple positions - has real value when he’s healthy. But availability is the best ability in the NBA, and Kleber just hasn’t been available enough.
As the Lakers look ahead to the offseason, they’ll have to make some tough roster decisions. And unless something changes quickly, it looks like Maxi Kleber’s time in Los Angeles may be coming to an end.