Los Angeles Lakers center Maxi Kleber has been medically cleared and intends to suit up in the team’s final preseason game Friday night against the Sacramento Kings, the 33-year-old confirmed during shootaround on Oct. 17.
Kleber has yet to appear in a preseason contest after sustaining a quad injury during the first practice of training camp. The setback followed a foot injury that limited him to one game at the end of last season, shortly after he arrived in Los Angeles as part of the Luka Doncic trade.
The veteran, who participated in a “stay-ready” scrimmage earlier in the week, said he hopes Friday’s matchup will provide much-needed game speed before Opening Night. “He’s cleared and ready to play,” reporter Khobi Price relayed on X.
Head coach JJ Redick described the meeting with Sacramento as a “dress rehearsal” and plans to use his regular rotation through the first three quarters. Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes currently occupy the primary center minutes, leaving Kleber to compete for a role as the roster’s lone stretch big.
Kleber missed the Lakers’ first five preseason games but reported to training camp fully healthy prior to the quad issue. Friday’s outing represents his last opportunity for live action before the season opens.
Source: LakersNation.com
