Maxi Kleber logged his first competitive minutes of the preseason on Oct. 13, taking part in the Los Angeles Lakers’ stay-ready game at the team’s practice facility.
Head coach JJ Redick confirmed the forward/center’s involvement, according to a post from Southern California News Group reporter Khobi Price. Kleber’s appearance in the controlled scrimmage signals progress but does not guarantee he will dress for the Lakers’ next exhibition contest.
The 6-foot-10 veteran has been limited to one game since arriving from Dallas in the Luka Doncic trade. A foot fracture sidelined him for most of the 2024-25 campaign until he returned for Game 5 of the first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 30, 2025. A quadriceps injury then kept him out of training camp and the opening weeks of the 2025-26 preseason.
Los Angeles has dealt with numerous injuries throughout camp. LeBron James is managing right-side sciatica, while Marcus Smart, Doncic and others have also missed time. Kleber’s participation in a full-speed scrimmage positions him a step closer to game action as Redick evaluates frontcourt options behind centers Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes.
Kleber is entering the final year of an $11 million contract, a salary that could serve as trade ballast if he is unable to carve out a consistent role as a floor-spreading big man.
With James sidelined, Doncic emphasized a “next man up” approach heading into the season. The 26-year-old guard will open the year as the primary offensive engine, supported by newcomers Ayton, Jake LaRavia and Smart.
Source: Lakers Nation
