Lakers Big Man Upgraded Ahead of Blazers Rematch

May 6, 2022; Dallas, Texas, USA; Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) looks to shoot as Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber (42) defends during the second quarter in game three of the second round of the 2022 NBA playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers have surprisingly upgraded the status of a long-hurt big man prior to their second clash against the Portland Trail Blazers in as many weeks.

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"Buha's Block" Lakers insider Jovan Buha reports that Lakers backup center/power forward Maxi Kleber, who has missed the entire preseason and regular season thus far, is suddenly merely questionable ahead of Monday's Portland rematch. He has been struggling with an abdominal muscle strain.

Luka Doncic (lower left leg contusion injury management) and Austin Reaves (right groin soreness) are out tonight vs. Portland on the second night of a back-to-back.

Deandre Ayton and Maxi Kleber are upgraded to questionable. pic.twitter.com/OgG5ModXfb

— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) November 3, 2025

Starting Lakers center Deandre Ayton, who sat out the last game-and-a-half with back spasms, has also been upgraded to questionable. Jaxson Hayes started in his stead on Sunday night.

Against the Miami Heat in a 130-120 victory, Hayes hit all seven of his field goal tries (including one triple take) to finish with 15 points. He also pulled down five rebounds, dished out one dime, blocked a shot and swiped one steal in 32:24 of action as a starter.

Although the only healthy traditional center behind Hayes on LA's roster Sunday was two-way player Christian Koloko, the big man wasn't activated against Miami. Instead, forward Jarred Vanderbilt and Rui Hachimura played some limited minutes as small-ball fives.

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Health has been a persistent issue for Kleber since 2020-21. Across the last three seasons, the trouble has been especially pronounced for the sharpshooting big man. He has only been available for an average of 42 games over that timespan. Last season, Kleber was healthy for just 34 regular season bouts, all with the Dallas Mavericks before his February trade to LA, and one playoff game.

In those 34 bouts, Kleber averaged a career-low 3.0 points on .385/.265/.762 shooting splits, 2.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 0.5 rejections. His fit as a floor-spacing big man target in kickouts from drives in Los Angeles is tantalizing, but the 33-year-old just can't seem to stay healthy.

Kleber As Possible Trade Piece

The 6-foot-10 big man is on an expiring $11 million contract this season, and will be lucky to get a veteran's minimum deal for his next contract at this pace. He will almost certainly be the Lakers' third option at center, behind both Ayton and Hayes, when all three are simultaneously healthy in 2025-26.

Kleber's biggest value to Los Angeles is likely as a trade throw-in to match salaries in a larger deal — or as a piece for teams looking to get off long-term money next summer. But he needs to be healthy for at least a few months to build up even that kind of value.

For more news and notes on the Los Angeles Lakers, visit Los Angeles Lakers on SI.