JJ Redick Expects Maxi Kleber Back Soon After Oblique Strain
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The Los Angeles Lakers opened the 2025-26 regular season against the Golden State Warriors without LeBron James, Adou Thiero and Maxi Kleber, who were all sidelined by injuries. Kleber, listed as questionable with a left-side oblique strain the day before tip-off, was ultimately ruled out and will be re-evaluated in two weeks.
Head coach JJ Redick expressed sympathy for the 33-year-old big man but said he is optimistic about a quick return.
“Maxi is a pro,” Redick said after the game. “He’s just a terrific teammate and a hard worker. I feel bad for him right now. He told me, ‘I do everything right—I take care of myself, get my sleep, put the right things in my body, train.’ He’s just been bitten by the injury bug the last two seasons, so I really feel for him. I’m thankful this is a short-term thing, and I know he’ll be in position in a few weeks to help this basketball team.”
Kleber missed most of the preseason because of a quad issue but appeared in the exhibition finale before the oblique injury surfaced. He was acquired from the Dallas Mavericks in the summer blockbuster that also brought Luka Doncic to Los Angeles and sent Anthony Davis to Dallas. Last season, Kleber managed only one playoff appearance while recovering from foot surgery.
The veteran was projected to serve as the Lakers’ third-string center behind DeAndre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes. With Kleber unavailable, Redick indicated Ayton and Hayes will shoulder additional minutes in the short term.
Doncic Downplays Late-Game Groin Discomfort
Doncic delivered 43 points on 17-for-27 shooting, 12 rebounds, nine assists, two steals and a block against Golden State. He was seen limping in the closing minutes and needed roughly 90 minutes of postgame treatment before speaking to reporters.
“It’s probably nothing,” Doncic said of the apparent groin tweak. “I just felt it a little bit because my hip went the opposite way.”
The Lakers are already without James because of a calf strain, making Doncic’s health critical as they navigate the first stretch of the schedule.
Source: Lakers Nation
