The Los Angeles Lakers have long been one of the most closely watched franchises in all of professional sports, and every move they make—no matter how small—tends to draw attention. So, when reports began circulating that the Lakers see value in and believe in Maxi Kleber, it raised some eyebrows. Not because Kleber is an unknown commodity—he’s been a steady contributor for the Dallas Mavericks for years—but because it signals something more nuanced about where the Lakers are headed and how they plan to round out their roster.
At first glance, Maxi Kleber isn’t the type of acquisition that causes a media frenzy. He doesn’t average 20 points per game, he’s not going to dominate highlight reels, and his presence on the court doesn’t demand double teams. However, what Kleber does bring is exactly what the Lakers have often lacked: smart, versatile, team-first basketball that complements stars rather than competes with them. For a team built around LeBron James and Anthony Davis—two generational talents with championship experience—the supporting cast is everything. And in that context, Kleber becomes more than just a role player. He becomes a crucial puzzle piece.
One of Kleber’s biggest strengths is his defensive versatility. At 6’10”, he has the size to bang with bigs in the post, but the lateral quickness and intelligence to switch out onto wings and even some guards. The modern NBA game demands defensive flexibility, and the Lakers have at times struggled to contain elite offenses when Davis isn’t fully healthy or forced to carry the interior defense alone. Kleber’s ability to provide supplementary rim protection while also spacing the floor on the offensive end makes him a valuable two-way asset.
Speaking of spacing, this is another reason the Lakers might see him as a target. Kleber isn’t a knock-down shooter in the purest sense, but he is a capable stretch big—something that becomes especially important in lineups with Davis at the five. He’s hit around 35-36% of his threes over several seasons, often on decent volume, and he’s especially effective from the corners. In theory, slotting Kleber next to Davis and LeBron opens up lanes for drives while also giving the Lakers a frontcourt lineup that can guard across multiple positions. That kind of floor balance is hard to find and has been inconsistent on past Lakers rosters.
But it’s not just about what Kleber brings statistically—it’s about the mindset and intangibles. Kleber is known for being a high-IQ player who stays within his role, communicates well on defense, and doesn’t need the ball to be effective. He doesn’t disrupt chemistry, and he’s accustomed to playing alongside ball-dominant stars like Luka Doncic. That kind of self-awareness is essential on a Lakers team where touches and minutes are always at a premium. Too often, the Lakers have brought in players who want to prove themselves on a bigger stage, sometimes to the detriment of team cohesion. Kleber is past that point. He knows who he is, and he plays accordingly.
This potential move also reflects a shift in the Lakers’ team-building philosophy. In past offseasons, the front office has sometimes been drawn to high-variance players—guys with high ceilings but questionable consistency. Think Russell Westbrook, or even Malik Beasley. But the trend this summer seems to be leaning toward dependability, two-way capability, and roster fit. Kleber represents that model perfectly. He may not win you a playoff series on his own, but he’s the kind of player who helps you win the possession-to-possession battle—boxing out, making the extra rotation, taking the right shot, and setting hard screens.
That said, it’s important to address the elephant in the room: Kleber’s injury history. He has dealt with nagging injuries over the past couple of seasons, including hamstring and back issues that have sidelined him for stretches of time. This is a legitimate concern for a Lakers team that already deals with regular injuries to their stars. But from a cap and roster standpoint, Kleber’s contract is reasonable, and his upside as a healthy contributor could outweigh the risk, especially if the Lakers manage his minutes wisely. And with the right depth around him, Kleber wouldn’t be expected to carry a heavy load—just to stay ready and play his role when called upon.
Another element worth noting is Kleber’s playoff experience. He has been through deep postseason runs with Dallas and has held up well in those environments. He’s had moments where his defense changed the flow of a series, and he’s shown he can step up offensively when needed. That kind of experience—knowing how to adjust on the fly, absorb pressure, and execute game plans—can be invaluable to a team like the Lakers, who are always thinking about playoff matchups even in October.
This move would also serve as a strategic response to the Western Conference landscape. Teams like Denver, Minnesota, and even Oklahoma City are long, athletic, and skilled at multiple positions. To keep pace, the Lakers need players who don’t just fill one role but can cover multiple bases in a playoff rotation. Kleber gives them that flexibility. He can slide between the four and the five depending on matchups, allowing Darvin Ham to toggle between big and small lineups without losing spacing or defensive integrity.
There’s also a psychological and cultural layer to this kind of acquisition. Bringing in a player like Kleber, who isn’t chasing stats or spotlight, subtly reinforces the team’s identity as a veteran-led, defense-first squad focused on winning above all else. It sends a message to the locker room about what the organization values. It’s the same reason teams like Miami or Boston often go after players who “play the right way.” Culture isn’t just built around stars—it’s upheld by role players who buy into a collective mission.
If the Lakers were to make a move for Kleber, it would likely be part of a broader offseason plan that includes addressing point guard depth, adding more shooting, and shoring up the wing rotation. But bringing in someone like Kleber first could serve as a stabilizing force—allowing other pieces to fall into place more naturally. If Davis misses time, Kleber provides cover. If the offense gets stagnant, he adds spacing. If the team needs to close with defense, he can stay on the floor. That kind of utility is rare and often underrated until the playoffs arrive.
Finally, there’s the value component. Kleber isn’t going to command a massive trade haul or a bloated contract. That means the Lakers could potentially land him without sacrificing key young assets or blowing up their cap flexibility. It’s the kind of move that smart front offices make—quiet but impactful, and one that helps maximize the window while LeBron is still playing at a high level.
In an offseason full of speculation about big-name trades and splashy signings, this kind of report may not grab headlines in the same way. But it reveals something deeper about how the Lakers are thinking. They’re not just star-chasing—they’re trying to build a team that can actually function in a seven-game series. And Maxi Kleber, with all his quiet strengths and unflashy consistency, might be exactly the kind of player who helps make that possible.
