Originally published by LakersNation.com
Maxi Kleber was a forgotten member of the Los Angeles Lakers roster this offseason after his debut with the team was lost in their playoff defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Kleber was part of the blockbuster Luka Doncic trade, but didn’t immediately play for the Lakers due to injury. However, Kleber entered the 2025-26 season fully healthy after spending the offseason getting his body back into game shape.
The veteran big man has played sparingly under head coach JJ Redick, but he always seems to find a way to make an impact in his limited minutes. For example, Kleber provided several winning plays in the win against the Sacramento Kings and made a case for a bigger role moving forward.
The Lakers bench made sure to cheer for Kleber’s effort on the floor and he acknowledged that he feels their energy and support.
“Yeah, I do. I mean, every time I do something, I’ll look at the bench and everybody is celebrating. So obviously it’s a good push for me and a good push for the team,” The big man said after the win.
Kleber also explained that he tries his best to stay ready whenever his name is called upon and that he’s focused on doing whatever L.A. needs him to do to win games.
“I just always focus on staying ready, being ready,” Kleber said. “On the defensive side, making sure that I communicate to the guys and make the right decisions on the switches, on the screen calls. On the offensive side, setting good screens, getting my teammates open because I know if I do that, I might get a dish here or there. So just playing the game like I’m expected to do.”
Kleber is in the final year of his deal and while he might not be a priority free agent, he’s at least showed the Lakers and the rest of the league that he still has something left in the tank. With Deandre Ayton’s recent struggles, Redick might have no choice but to play Kleber more as he’s definitely earned a longer look.
With just over a month left in the regular season, the Lakers will need everyone, including Kleber, to step their game up.
Maxi Kleber discusses staying ready despite inconsistent role
Maxi Kleber may not be the player he used to be, but he’s clearly shown he can still be useful in the right situations. Not playing every game is hard on any player, but Kleber explained how he’s able to stay locked in despite the inconsistent role.
If you love our reporting, choose LakersNation.com as a preferred source on Google.
Maxi Kleber was a forgotten member of the Los Angeles Lakers roster this offseason after his debut with the team was lost in their playoff defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Kleber was part of the blockbuster Luka Doncic trade, but didn’t immediately play for the Lakers due to injury. However, Kleber entered the 2025-26 season fully healthy after spending the offseason getting his body back into game shape.
The veteran big man has played sparingly under head coach JJ Redick, but he always seems to find a way to make an impact in his limited minutes. For example, Kleber provided several winning plays in the win against the Sacramento Kings and made a case for a bigger role moving forward.
The Lakers bench made sure to cheer for Kleber’s effort on the floor and he acknowledged that he feels their energy and support.
“Yeah, I do. I mean, every time I do something, I’ll look at the bench and everybody is celebrating. So obviously it’s a good push for me and a good push for the team,” The big man said after the win.
Kleber also explained that he tries his best to stay ready whenever his name is called upon and that he’s focused on doing whatever L.A. needs him to do to win games.
“I just always focus on staying ready, being ready,” Kleber said. “On the defensive side, making sure that I communicate to the guys and make the right decisions on the switches, on the screen calls. On the offensive side, setting good screens, getting my teammates open because I know if I do that, I might get a dish here or there. So just playing the game like I’m expected to do.”
Kleber is in the final year of his deal and while he might not be a priority free agent, he’s at least showed the Lakers and the rest of the league that he still has something left in the tank. With Deandre Ayton’s recent struggles, Redick might have no choice but to play Kleber more as he’s definitely earned a longer look.
With just over a month left in the regular season, the Lakers will need everyone, including Kleber, to step their game up.
Maxi Kleber discusses staying ready despite inconsistent role
Maxi Kleber may not be the player he used to be, but he’s clearly shown he can still be useful in the right situations. Not playing every game is hard on any player, but Kleber explained how he’s able to stay locked in despite the inconsistent role.
If you love our reporting, choose LakersNation.com as a preferred source on Google.
