Maxi Kleber’s Surprise Comeback Could Boost Lakers’ Playoff Depth

Maxi Kleber’s Slow Comeback: Can the Veteran Big Man Make a Playoff Impact for the Lakers?

It’s been a minute since Maxi Kleber’s name popped up on the radar for Lakers fans—and let’s be real, that’s not totally surprising. After being part of the Luka Dončić trade over two months ago, Kleber kind of faded into the background. Injuries tend to do that to players, especially when they’ve been out for a while. But with the 2025 NBA Playoffs knocking on the door, the veteran big man might be gearing up for a surprise cameo that could shake things up—at least a little.

Here’s what’s going on behind the scenes, and why Kleber might actually matter more than folks think.

✳️ Who is Maxi Kleber Again?

In case you need a quick refresher—Maxi Kleber is a German big man with eight seasons of NBA experience under his belt. Standing tall at 6’10” and weighing in at 240 pounds, he’s always brought versatility to the floor. While he’s never been a star or flashy stat-sheet guy, Kleber’s been the kind of player teams appreciate: a solid defender who can stretch the floor with his three-point shooting and cover ground on switches.

Historically, he’s been known as a reliable 3-and-D forward, especially valuable in playoff scenarios where defensive switches and spacing become critical. In other words, he’s exactly the kind of depth piece that championship-contending teams hope to have healthy and ready when it counts.

📉 But This Season? Not So Pretty.

Let’s just say it hasn’t been Kleber’s year—at all. After struggling to find rhythm early in the season, things took a nosedive in January when he injured his foot. That led to surgery and an extended time on the sidelines. Add in the midseason trade and the lack of media buzz around his rehab, and it’s no wonder most Lakers fans have kinda forgotten he’s even on the roster.

Before the injury, his performance was already a bit off. Kleber was shooting just 26.5% from deep and 38.5% overall—a far cry from the guy who used to knock down big shots in Dallas during their playoff runs. So even though he’s inching closer to a return, it’s hard to predict what version of Kleber we’re going to see.

🔄 A Quiet Return—But at the Right Time?

There’s some good news, though. According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, Kleber has officially started on-court activity with others—a key sign that he's progressing beyond solo rehab drills and getting back into game-shape situations. Lakers head coach JJ Redick confirmed the update, which adds a little bit of intrigue heading into the postseason.

That doesn’t mean he’s going to step onto the court and instantly start logging 25+ minutes, but if his foot holds up, and if his conditioning is on point, Kleber could sneak into the rotation when the Lakers need him most—especially considering their thin depth at the center position.

🏀 Lakers’ Center Situation Is… Uh, Not Ideal

Let’s call it like it is—the Lakers’ frontcourt depth has been hanging by a thread. With injuries and inconsistent play throughout the season, LA is dangerously thin at the center spot. Anthony Davis continues to do the heavy lifting, but even he can’t play 48 minutes every game, and the drop-off behind him is pretty steep.

That’s where someone like Kleber comes in handy. No, he’s not going to give you Davis-like numbers (who does?), but if he can play 10-15 solid minutes, hit an open three, and not be a defensive liability, that could make a real difference in a tight playoff game.

🎯 Realistic Expectations vs Wishful Thinking

Now let’s not get too carried away—Maxi Kleber is not some hidden ace who’s about to flip the entire playoff picture. The truth is, he’s been out for months, and there's no guarantee his shooting stroke or defensive timing will be anywhere near where it needs to be.

That said, even limited playoff minutes can have a ripple effect in a long series. All it takes is one big block, one clutch corner three, or one gritty defensive stop to turn momentum. And Kleber has shown in the past that he can deliver those kinds of moments—especially when the lights are bright.

🧠 What Makes Kleber Valuable (When Healthy)

Here’s the thing about Maxi: his basketball IQ and ability to read the floor are legit. He doesn’t force plays, doesn’t hog the ball, and generally plays within the flow of the game. He’s the type of guy who sets sneaky good screens, rotates at the right time, and makes the extra pass.

On a team with high-usage stars like LeBron and AD, those kinds of players are gold. You don’t need them to score 20—you just need them to not mess up the flow.

⏳ Is There Enough Time?

The biggest question isn’t if Kleber returns—it’s whether there’s enough time to ramp him up before the games really matter. Practicing with teammates is one thing. Running up and down at playoff intensity with everything on the line? That’s a whole different beast.

With just days before the first round kicks off, Kleber will have to show coaches—fast—that he can hold his own out there. There’s not a lot of room for experiments in the postseason, especially in a crowded Western Conference where one loss can swing a series.

💡 Final Thought: A Possible X-Factor?

Let’s be honest—nobody’s expecting Maxi Kleber to come back and steal the spotlight. But in a long, grueling playoff run, depth matters. Fatigue, foul trouble, or just a bad matchup can force coaches to dig into their bench—and that’s where a guy like Kleber can unexpectedly shine.

So, yeah, he might still be an afterthought to most fans. But to the Lakers’ coaching staff? He’s a wildcard. And sometimes, in the NBA playoffs, the wildcard is all you need.

🔥 Quick Recap (Because You Know You Love Bullet Points)

• ✅ Kleber was part of the Luka Dončić trade a couple months ago.

• 🚑 Foot injury + surgery in January kept him out for months.

• 🏀 Recently cleared to resume on-court activities with teammates.

• 📉 He struggled this season shooting-wise, but has proven playoff value.

• 🤔 Lakers are thin at center—he could be needed sooner than later.

• 🔮 Real impact? TBD. But in the playoffs, you never know.

So while the spotlight will (rightfully) be on LeBron, AD, and the Lakers’ primary rotation, don’t be surprised if Maxi Kleber sneaks his way into a big moment. Come playoff time, even the smallest piece can complete the puzzle.

Want to keep an eye on the dark horse? Maxi might just be your guy.