The Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for their first full season with Luka Doncic leading the way. Doncic will have the reins to himself to begin the year, as LeBron James is expected to miss the first three weeks of the season.
In 28 games for the Lakers last year, Doncic put on a show. He averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game. After another strong showing for Slovenia at EuroBasket, Doncic appears determined to carry that momentum into the NBA season.
His longtime teammate Maxi Kleber expects big things, especially after Doncic’s offseason transformation. “You’re going to see a lot of Luka Magic. A lot of crazy passes, crazy shot-making. It’s just what he does,” Kleber said.
If anyone understands Doncic’s abilities, it’s Kleber. Having been traded to Los Angeles alongside Doncic, Kleber has been his teammate since Doncic entered the league in 2018.
Kleber, who joined the NBA one season earlier after playing for FC Bayern Munich, is entering his 9th season at age 33. While his production has declined in recent years, he remains a reliable 3-point shooter and defensive presence. His best shooting season came in 2020-21, when he connected on 41% of his attempts from beyond the arc.
Kleber also brings postseason experience, having appeared in 45 playoff games, including five during the 2023-24 NBA Finals.
Doncic and Kleber will now aim to make another Finals run—this time with the Lakers—as they seek to hang Los Angeles’ 18th championship banner. The Lakers open the season Oct. 21 against the Golden State Warriors.