Training camp hasn’t been kind to every member of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Due to a nagging quad injury, the franchise’s 6-foot-10 big man was forced to miss Wednesday’s practice.
“Maxi Kleber tweaked his quad Tuesday, sat out practice Wednesday and will require a MRI, according to coach JJ Redick,” ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported Wednesday. "Hopefully it's nothing serious," Redick said.
Unfortunately, Kleber’s isn't a stranger to suffering lower-body setbacks.
A week before the Dallas Mavericks traded Kleber to the Lakers, the Würzburg, Germany native broke his right foot and didn’t return to the hardwood until late April (he scored two points in the Lakers’ season-ending loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the postseason).
In 34 regular-season contests with the Mavericks last season, Kleber averaged 3.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game.
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While Kleber hasn’t shown it recently, the 33-year-old can stretch the floor and keep defenses on their toes (he shot 37.3% from deep in 2019-20 and 41.0% in 2020-21). Kleber is also a switchable defender who’s in the right spot more often than not.
Hopefully, the veteran forward is available for the Lakers’ season-opening contest against the Golden State Warriors, as Los Angeles could use his two-way capabilities in a reserve role.
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