Lakers’ Maxi Kleber to be re-evaluated in two weeks after oblique strain
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The Los Angeles Lakers said Wednesday that forward/center Maxi Kleber will be re-evaluated in roughly two weeks after suffering a left oblique strain, sidelining him for the start of the 2025-26 season.
Kleber appeared in only one of the team’s six preseason contests while rehabbing a quadriceps issue. In that lone outing—a 10-minute stint against the Sacramento Kings last Friday—he finished with three points and two rebounds.
The 33-year-old has dealt with a string of injuries since arriving from Dallas last February in the Luka Doncic trade. A fractured foot kept him out immediately after the deal, and he did not play until the Lakers’ Game 5 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of last season’s playoffs.
With the latest setback, Kleber is expected to miss at least the opening two weeks of the regular season. He joins LeBron James (sciatica) and Adou Thiero (left knee surgery) on the Lakers’ inactive list for Opening Night against the Golden State Warriors.
Redick tests new starting unit
Head coach JJ Redick treated the preseason finale as a dress rehearsal, using regular rotations for most of the game. With James unavailable, Redick inserted guard Gabe Vincent alongside Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton.
Redick said the move added another ball handler and perimeter defender while surrounding Doncic and Ayton with additional shooting. He cautioned that the alignment could change quickly once the regular season begins, noting that injuries and matchups will dictate future decisions.
Los Angeles opens the season Oct. 22 at Chase Center.
Source: Lakers Nation
