Lakers Player Spotlight: Maxi Kleber
The Lakers have been battling multiple fronts as of late. They’ve been battling injuries and adjusting to new additions in the lineup after trading for Luke Kennard. Thankfully, the Lakers have had new players stepping up big in unfamiliar roles.
One of those players has been second-year Lakers big man Maxi Kleber.
Kleber, 34, was struggling to find any time in the rotation at the start of February. In the February 1st loss to the New York Knicks, he played just one minute and followed that up with a three-minute performance in the win against the Brooklyn Nets on Feb 3.
However, in Kleber’s next two games, he’s been given an increased workload.
Maxi Kleber Finally Healthy for Lakers
In Thursday’s win over the Philadelphia 76ers, Kleber logged 26 minutes and contributed four points, four rebounds, four assists, and three steals while shooting 2-for-3 from the field.
He followed this up with a five-point, seven-rebound contribution in 28 minutes against Golden State.
Maxi Kleber | The New Mr. Intangibles
Last 2 Games:
• + 23 vs PHI
• + 12 vs GS• Both Team Highs.
• Closed in Both Games.
• Came up Big in Key Moments down the stretch.Maybe we got lucky not being able to dump him at the Deadline… pic.twitter.com/tN4LppwGF1
— Lakers Legacy (@LakersLegacyPod) February 8, 2026
It’s nice to see Kleber getting back into a groove after being dealt a series of injuries since being acquired by the Lakers. When healthy, he’s reminding everyone why he’s a solid contributor.
Kleber underwent surgery to address a fractured right foot, leading to him missing three months of the 2024-25 season. The injuries transitioned to the start of this season, when Kleber was dealing with a lumbar muscle strain and an oblique strain.
It’s worth noting that he could be playing for his future with the franchise. Kleber is currently playing on an expiring three-year deal. That will result in him becoming an unrestricted free agent after the season.
The setbacks are behind him now, and Lakers head coach JJ Redick has made a point to utilize the veteran forward. in the second half of the regular season.
