As the 2024-25 NBA regular season gets closer to its completion, there is one positive trend that Los Angeles Lakers fans will love. The team is getting healthier.
The latest injury report for the Lakers featured next to no names on the list. Having nearly everybody available before the NBA Playoffs will be a welcomed sight for JJ Redick and his staff.
LeBron James (left groin strain) is listed as probable for the upcoming game against the Golden State Warriors. The only other name that remains a constant on the report is Maxi Kleber. The big man, who was acquired from the Dallas Mavericks as a part of the Luka Doncic trade, has yet to debut for the Lakers. However, there is some hope that could change soon.
Kleber back in practice for Los Angeles
Jovan Buha originally broke the story that there was optimism surrounding Kleber returning to the court before the end of the 2024-25 season. It is right around that time for the Lakers and there was a positive development to make note of at one of the team's recent practices.
Maxi Kleber is getting shots up at Lakers practice today pic.twitter.com/o5LuhlDB9m
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) April 2, 2025
It felt fitting that after getting the initial scoop on Kleber's potential return, Buha was also the man who captured the footage of the Lakers big man getting work in at practice. The Lakers reporter followed the video up by saying Redick will be providing an update on Kleber in the near future.
Getting an opportunity to see how their new big man could fit with this team before the end of the regular season would be fantastic for the Lakers.
Kleber's averages will not have anyone jumping out of their seats. The former Maverick averaged 3.0 points and 2.8 rebounds per game, while shooting 38.5 percent from the field and 26.5 percent from 3-point land in 2024-25.
The offensive drop-off this season from a previously reliable role player was very notable. However, for a team scarce on depth in the frontcourt, it could be worth exploring if a better fit with the Lakers can contribute to a potential resurgence.
Kleber has shown the ability to provide good spacing, capable rebounding, and solid defense in the past. Those elements would make him an attractive option to plug in for some situational frontcourt minutes off the bench, when necessary.
Lakers fans should not be looking to Kleber as a savior at the position, by any means. However, if there are enough positive signs of rejuvenated play before the end of the 2024-25 regular season, then Los Angeles could have themselves another option to turn to when the matchup calls for more size in the rotation during this year's postseason run.