The Los Angeles Lakers are about to move on from Maxi Kleber as they attempt to build a title contender roster around Luka Doncic. The 6’10 forward has played with Doncic for the superstar’s entire career. Kleber was entering his second season with the Mavericks when Luka was drafted. The Lakers acquired both players in the unexpected blockbuster trade. After eight years together, it is time to let Kleber walk in free agency.
The 34-year-old struggled mightily this season. He averaged just 2.0 points and 2.0 rebounds in 10.7 minutes per game over 43 contests. Kleber hasn’t played in more than 43 since 2022 and averages just 39.3 per year over the last four. The Lakers can’t trust him to stay healthy, and his 3-point shot has abandoned him.
Los Angeles clearly needs more talent around Luka. They want to reshape their roster this summer, and finding upgrades means letting current players go. Kleber made $11 million last season and will struggle to find a minimum contract as anything other than an end-of-the-bench veteran providing vibes.
The Lakers have to move on from Maxi Kleber
Kleber played 15 total minutes in the playoffs and was only on the floor when the game was close in Game 4 against the Thunder. Head coach JJ Redick surprisingly used the 6’10 forward as a screener when they needed a 3-pointer. It took the red-hot Rui Hachimura off the floor and created plenty of questions.
Luka has plenty of say over personnel decisions, but the Lakers can’t bring Kleber back. He will be an unrestricted free agent. If he wants to continue playing in the NBA, it will be on a minimum contract. Still, the Lakers need depth to compete with the Thunder and Spurs. Kleber can’t stay healthy, and nobody knows what to expect from the 34-year-old.
In his prime, the German forward was an underrated role player. He could space the floor, protect the rim, and guard on the perimeter. All three of those traits have declined. He can still set a screen. Other than that, Kleber isn’t offering much.
The Lakers should be focused on upgrading the entire frontcourt. Deandre Ayton can’t return as the starting center. LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, and Jaxson Hayes are unrestricted free agents like Kleber. LA’s top priority is re-signing Austin Reaves, but Rob Pelinka has to focus on fixing his frontcourt. That is the Lakers' path to being a serious title threat in 2027 and beyond.
Playing with someone for eight straight years is unique in the modern NBA. Maxi Kleber has been Luka’s teammate for the star's entire career. They spent six and a half years together in Dallas before the last year and a half in Los Angeles.
Sadly, all good things have to come to an end. The Los Angeles Lakers have to let Maxi Kleber walk in free agency. It is nothing against him, but the franchise needs more talent and depth to compete with the NBA’s best. Kleber is declining and just doesn’t help a contender anymore. That is the painful truth that everyone must accept.
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