Lakers predicted to part with $33 million forward a part of historic Luka Doncic trade

Although injuries are a natural part of basketball, they can become problematic if they occur too often for a particular player. 

In the Los Angeles Lakers’ case, there’s a reason to be concerned about the health of a 6-foot-10 forward who was a part of last year’s historic Luka Doncic trade, as he frequently finds himself on the injury report. 

Lake Show Life’s Tyler Watts thinks it would be in the Lakers’ best interest to move on from the former Dallas Mavericks forward this summer.

“(Maxi) Kleber came to LA from the Mavericks in the Luka blockbuster, but has struggled mightily to stay healthy,” Watts wrote Sunday. 

“He didn’t play until the final playoff game last season and has appeared in just 20 contests this year. If he sticks in the NBA, Kleber will have to accept a minimum contract.”

“The 33-year-old may decide to retire or return to Europe to continue his career. He is friends with Luka, which could earn him a place at the end of the Lakers' bench.”

“That seems unlikely, as Los Angeles wants depth to compete with the best teams. Expect Kleber to be off the roster one way or another this summer.”

Kleber followed Doncic to the Lakers last February via a jaw-dropping mid-season trade. However, Kleber was unable to immediately compete with Los Angeles due to a right foot fracture. 

In fact, the Wurzburg, Germany native didn’t appear in a regular-season game with the Lakers last season due to a lower-body setback. Due to a left oblique sprain, Kleber missed the start of the 2025-26 campaign. 

In 20 games with the Lakers, Kleber is averaging 2.1 points and 1.9 rebounds while shooting 32.5% from the field and 23.5% shooting from three. It’s safe to say there’s a good chance Kleber won’t return to Los Angeles next season.

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