Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick has provided a critical injury update regarding the fate of a rarely available veteran center.
MORE NEWS: Lakers’ new 7-foot center makes bold announcement after win vs. Stephen Curry-less Warriors
Reserve big man Maxi Kleber, has missed the entire preseason with a supposedly minor quadriceps injury, per The Orange County Register's Khobi Price. Dan Woike of The Athletic reports that Redick has revealed Kleber was healthy enough to take part in "a stay-ready game" at a team practice Monday, ahead of a Tuesday rematch against the Phoenix Suns in PHX Arena.
Maxi Kleber was able to participate in a stay-ready game today, JJ Redick said.
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) October 13, 2025
The 33-year-old big man is currently on an expiring $11 million deal, which will prove exceedingly hard to trade if he can't ever play in consecutive games this season.
Kleber's frustrating Los Angeles tenure so far
Los Angeles shocked the world when it figured out a way to snag five-time All-NBA First Team superstar guard Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks for a single draft pick — plus oft-hurt 10-time All-Star center/power forward Anthony Davis and 3-and-D swingman Max Christie.
Kleber and forward Markieff Morris were essentially salary-matching throw-ins in the deal.
MORE NEWS: Lakers make positive Luka Doncic announcement before fourth preseason game
Without Davis, Los Angeles only had three centers rostered in raw former lottery pick Jaxson Hayes, Kleber and two-way big Christian Koloko. Kleber was recovering from a right foot fracture, and ultimately didn't appear in a single Lakers contest until the team's Game 5 first-round playoff showdown against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The 6-foot-10 big man is a floor-spacing jump shooter, but he is clearly past his prime, and mobility has never been his strongest suit. If he can play for Los Angeles this year, maybe he can rehab his trade value, too.
MORE NEWS:
- Lakers get disappointing Dalton Knecht trade news
- Lakers may finally unite Luka Doncic, 7-foot shot-blocking Jazz center via savvy trade
- Lakers may part with Austin Reaves, acquire $175 million Eastern Conference All-Star, per report