The Los Angeles Lakers made a shocking blockbuster trade around the deadline that revolved around big star names in Luka Dončić and Anthony Davis. However, there was a player in that trade who hasn’t garnered much attention. Despite not being a high-profile player compared to the superstars, Maxi Kleber was included in the deal. After fracturing his foot against the Boston Celtics on January 25th, he’s been recovering from surgery. There is some optimism about whether Kleber could be back before playoffs. With the Lakers currently shorthanded, his addition of coming off the bench would be a huge boost for the depth lacking in the frontcourt.
Lakers Rumors: Potential Return for Maxi Kleber
Lack of Frontcourt Depth
After losing the Lakers’ focal point of their frontcourt in Davis, it has left the purple and gold finding solutions to bolster their interior. Jaxson Hayes has been their only quality big man since the trade, even after signing center Alex Len. Even though Hayes has exceeded expectations as the starting center, the Lakers could use some added depth and size coming off the bench. Trey Jemison has seen an increased role since being called up from the G League. In January, he signed a two-way contract with the Lakers and has been a solid player for the minutes he’s had. But, despite those two, the Lakers will need more reinforcements when facing certain teams with more size.
With the Lakers not having many options coming off the bench to add versatility in their frontcourt, some concerns are moving ahead to the end of the season. As the postseason inches closer, their frontcourt depth is their biggest concern. When facing teams with more physicality and size, like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, Memphis Grizzlies, and Denver Nuggets, it’s going to impose some complications for LA. Nevertheless, the Lakers’ defense has been one of the best in the league over the last month. As they look ahead to a tough remaining schedule against prominent frontcourts, the added depth in Kleber could help.
Maxi Kleber Added Impact
After acquiring Kleber in the trade, the Lakers weren’t expecting him to be a pivotal piece in return. Since suffering a foot injury in late January, the Lakers knew it wasn’t guaranteed that he would ever return to play for the purple and gold this season. However, Kleber could be back to full fitness ahead of the postseason.
According to The Athletic’s Jovan Buha,
“I’ve heard that there is some optimism that a return before the end of the regular season is possible,” Buha said on his podcast.
Kleber has only played 34 games this season with the Dallas Mavericks before fracturing his foot. During the year, he averaged 3 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists on 38.5% shooting from the field. Despite not having the best season, he is indeed a role player who would be impactful for this Lakers team. Standing at 6′-foot-10 and having the versatility to play center and power forward is what the Lakers need.
Kleber has chemistry with Dončić as well as with Dorian Finney-Smith. He’s a career 35% from beyond the arc, which is impressive for a big man. Being able to space the floor will allow him to find continuous open looks from Dončić and LeBron James. Furthermore, his size for rebounding and defense would be a great boost off the bench. Ultimately, he is a player who would be an impactful addition to a team that is lacking frontcourt depth. We are to see in the coming weeks for any further updates on Kleber.
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