Lakers predicted to cut ties with $11 million forward after trade deadline

The Los Angeles Lakers didn't do a ton at the trade deadline, although acquiring Luke Kennard could work out nicely.

Now, there's just a bit left to do to potentially get the roster in order for the stretch run.

The Athletic's John Hollinger has a suggestion. He writes that Maxi Kleber is a logical buyout candidate.

"He makes $11 million and never plays, but being friends with Luka Dončić might keep him around for three more months," Hollinger writes.

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Hollinger is right.

Kleber has only played 25 games this season.

The 34-year old averages 11 minutes per game in the games he played, which is helped be the occasional absence of another guy that then gets him onto the floor.

Kleber is shooting a miserable 37.8% from the floor and 23.5% from 3-point range.

He's averaging 2.0 points, 1.8 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.4 steals and 0.2 blocks per game.

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Kleber is far from the player he once was when he was a quality piece coming off the bench for the Mavericks.

His salary may have made him a useful piece to match in a bigger trade, but since that didn't happen, Kleber really doesn't have any more usefulness for the Lakers.

They don't have a ton of reason to get rid of him, but they also don't have a ton of reason to keep Kleber at this point.

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