By Sunday 
The Los Angeles Lakers had big plans for Maxi Kleber this season — plans that now might have to wait. After being traded from the Dallas Mavericks back in January, Kleber barely had a chance to make an impact, debuting only in the final game of the season during a Game 5 loss to the Timberwolves. And now? The nightmare seems to be back.
Injury Woes Strike Again
On Tuesday, Kleber “tweaked” his quad and missed practice on Wednesday. Lakers insider JJ Redick confirmed that Kleber would undergo an MRI, adding a cautious note of hope: he “hoped it wouldn’t be anything serious.”
It’s a frustrating pattern for Kleber, who had just told media that he was “fully healthy” after missing almost an entire season due to a foot injury. Fans were excited to see what the veteran big man could bring as the Lakers’ backup center — but now that debut is on hold.
Lakers’ Thin at Center
The timing couldn’t be worse. With Deandre Ayton’s status uncertain and the Lakers already thin at the center position, Kleber’s setback adds to LA’s preseason headaches. This is not the kind of news fans were hoping for as the regular season approaches.
From Dallas to L.A.: A Career of Setbacks
Kleber spent the first seven-and-a-half seasons in Dallas, where injuries plagued him from a torn hamstring to a dislocated shoulder. Even after the shock of the Luka Dončić trade, Dallas included Kleber in the deal, reflecting his mixed track record. Over the last two full seasons in Dallas, he played just 43 and 37 games, respectively.
Market Value and the Road Ahead
Offseason reports painted a sobering picture: Kleber, along with Gabe Vincent, had “slightly negative to just negative value” on the trade market. Now entering the final year of his $11 million contract, the latest injury isn’t likely to improve his standing.
Fingers crossed, Lakers fans. If the MRI comes back clean, Kleber could still play a meaningful role — it’s just going to take patience and a little bit of luck.