The Los Angeles Lakers have always had a keen eye for talent, and the latest whispers coming out of the organization suggest they may have found another under-the-radar asset. According to NBA insider Dan Woike, the Lakers see significant value in veteran big man Maxi Kleber and are seriously intrigued by what he brings to the table. In a league where spacing, defense, and versatility are paramount, Kleber’s skill set could be a crucial piece in the Lakers’ bid to return to championship contention. While he may not be a household name like some of L.A.’s stars, Kleber represents the kind of savvy, efficient player that championship teams often lean on deep into the postseason.
Standing at 6-foot-10 with a smooth shooting stroke and the ability to guard multiple positions, Kleber is a stretch big who fits seamlessly into the modern NBA. He can slide between the power forward and center positions, allowing the Lakers to toggle between big and small lineups without losing floor spacing or defensive integrity. While his numbers may not pop off the stat sheet, his impact is often felt in the margins—contesting shots, making the extra pass, rotating on defense, and knocking down corner threes. It’s that exact brand of quiet reliability that has earned him the attention of the Lakers front office.
Kleber, who has spent his entire NBA career with the Dallas Mavericks, has long been viewed as one of the league’s most underrated role players. Despite battling injuries in recent seasons, he’s shown an impressive ability to stretch the floor while holding his own against some of the league’s most physical post players. The Lakers, who have struggled with consistency in their supporting cast around LeBron James and Anthony Davis, may see Kleber as a stabilizing presence who can bring balance to both ends of the court.
What’s particularly intriguing about Kleber is his defensive versatility. In today’s switch-heavy schemes, having a big man who can stay in front of guards on the perimeter and still protect the rim is invaluable. Kleber has demonstrated the ability to do both. His lateral quickness allows him to stay with quicker players, while his length and timing make him a strong shot blocker in help situations. He may not be a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, but his intelligence and positioning often put him in the right place at the right time—qualities that coaches and teammates deeply appreciate.
On the offensive side, Kleber’s shooting is his most notable asset. With a career three-point percentage hovering around 35%, he can space the floor effectively, opening up driving lanes for LeBron and allowing Davis more room to operate in the post. He’s also a capable pick-and-pop threat, which could pair nicely with guards like D’Angelo Russell or Austin Reaves. The Lakers have often struggled with floor spacing, especially in their second units. Kleber could alleviate some of those issues by being a consistent perimeter threat who also understands how to move without the ball and play within a system.
Dan Woike’s report suggesting that the Lakers “see value and believe” in Kleber likely means the team is exploring ways to bring him aboard—either through trade or some other form of acquisition. Given that the Lakers are typically strapped for cap space and limited in assets, targeting a player like Kleber makes strategic sense. He’s not a max-contract guy, but his impact per dollar spent could be tremendous. That’s the kind of value the Lakers must prioritize if they want to maximize what may be the final championship window for the LeBron-AD core.
Moreover, Kleber’s temperament and approach to the game align with the kind of culture the Lakers want to cultivate. He’s not a flashy player or someone who demands touches. He knows his role, does his job, and supports his teammates. That type of mindset is invaluable in a locker room full of stars and big personalities. It also adds a level of cohesion that often goes unnoticed until the playoffs, when chemistry and execution become the defining factors between winning and losing.
It’s also worth noting that Kleber has playoff experience, including a deep run with the Mavericks alongside Luka Dončić. He’s played meaningful minutes in high-pressure games and has shown that he won’t shy away from the moment. That kind of postseason readiness is something the Lakers can’t overlook. They’ve learned the hard way in recent seasons that talent alone doesn’t win championships—durability, cohesion, and basketball IQ are just as important.
If the Lakers do manage to acquire Kleber, it would represent a calculated move—one that doesn’t dominate headlines but pays dividends on the court. He wouldn’t be expected to score 20 points per game or carry the offense, but rather to fill in the gaps and elevate the team’s overall functionality. Think of him as a glue guy—someone who holds things together when the stars are resting or the offense bogs down. Every contender needs one, and Kleber has shown that he can be exactly that.
Lakers fans may not erupt in celebration over a potential Kleber signing or trade, but those who understand the game know just how valuable his presence could be. It’s the kind of move that championship teams make—not the flashy, blockbuster deal, but the smart, efficient addition that addresses real on-court needs. The Lakers have star power in spades, but as recent history has shown, winning at the highest level requires more than just names on a marquee.
There’s also the question of fit within Darvin Ham’s system. The Lakers head coach has emphasized defensive effort and ball movement since taking over, and Kleber fits well into that philosophy. His willingness to rotate, communicate on defense, and pass up good shots for great ones would make him a seamless addition to the rotation. And with Ham likely to experiment with various lineups, having a player like Kleber who can fill multiple roles adds to the team’s tactical flexibility.
Looking ahead, the Lakers will likely continue to explore all options to round out their roster. While stars drive headlines and sell jerseys, it’s often the role players who make or break a season. Whether it’s a clutch rebound, a critical defensive stop, or a timely three-pointer, players like Kleber have a knack for making winning plays. If the Lakers do indeed land him, it won’t be by accident—it will be a calculated, intelligent move aimed at fortifying a roster already built for big moments.
In the end, Dan Woike’s report sheds light on how the Lakers are thinking beyond the surface. They understand that adding someone like Maxi Kleber isn’t just about plugging a hole; it’s about enhancing the team’s identity. It’s about maximizing their stars by surrounding them with pieces that fit. And it’s about building a team that’s not just talented, but also balanced, connected, and ready for the grind of an 82-game season and the crucible of the NBA playoffs.
Maxi Kleber might not be the name that dominates the offseason headlines, but for the Lakers, he could be exactly what they need. A reliable, skilled, and selfless player who knows how to contribute in big moments. And if the front office sees what Dan Woike reports they do, then Lakers Nation might soon find themselves cheering for a new fan favorite in purple and gold.
