Los Angeles Lakers center Maxi Kleber will undergo an MRI on Wednesday afternoon after tweaking his right quadriceps during conditioning drills on Tuesday, head coach JJ Redick told reporters following the team’s second practice of training camp.
“As a precaution he sat out today,” Redick said. “He’ll get an MRI later this afternoon and hopefully it’s nothing serious.”
The setback comes just days after Kleber, who missed most of last season with a foot injury, declared himself fully healthy at the club’s annual Media Day. He logged only five minutes in the Lakers’ final playoff game last spring against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Frontcourt rotation adjusts
With Kleber sidelined, additional preseason minutes are expected for fellow centers Deandre Ayton, Jaxson Hayes and Christian Koloko. Kleber is currently the roster’s lone stretch big, a role the coaching staff still envisions for him once he is cleared.
The Lakers open their preseason schedule Friday. Even if the MRI reveals a minor issue, the organization is expected to proceed cautiously to avoid a prolonged absence.
LeBron James managing workload
Redick added that LeBron James completed individual on-court work for a second consecutive day, while guard Gabe Vincent was a full participant in practice. James, entering his 23rd NBA season, told ESPN he will balance participation in training camp with the need to preserve his body after accumulating “a lot of miles” and dealing with nagging injuries, including an MCL sprain in last season’s finale.
“My presence is going to be important,” James said. “Even if I’m not on the floor, I’ll stay in tune with what we’re doing so I know what’s going on at all times.”
No additional injury updates were provided for the rest of the roster.
Source: Lakers Nation
