Lakers Forwards Receive Major Injury Update Ahead of Preseason Finale

Dec 18, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; The Los Angeles Lakers logo at center court at the Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers will have two of their key forwards on the court as they get set to take on the Sacramento Kings in their preseason finale.

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The Lakers announced that forwards Jarred Vanderbilt and Maxi Kleber will be available on Friday.

Jared Vanderbilt is scheduled to play tonight

— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) October 17, 2025

Maxi Kleber has been cleared and hopes to play tonight against Sacramento.

— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) October 17, 2025

Vanderbilt suffered a left quad contusion on Wednesday against the Dallas Mavericks. He did not return to the game after suffering the injury in the second quarter.

As for Kleber, he has not participated in any of the five preseason games. Kleber has been limited due to a quadriceps injury, but he has been cleared for action and hopes to play on Friday.

The injury has bothered him throughout training camp, but he has been given the green light to return to the court. The veteran big man will likely be available off the bench tonight as the Lakers gear up for the season, which is less than five days away.

Lakers head coach JJ Redick said after Wednesday's loss ot the Mavericks that Friday's game will be a 'dress rehearsal' for the regular season.

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Friday’s matchup will be the closest thing we’ll see to a regular season game for the Lakers. ESPN's Dave McMenamin said the Lakers will have everyone available for tonight's contest, outside of the players already dealing with injuries.

The Lakers will have everyone available tonight against Sacramento, minus the guys who have already been on the injury list - LeBron James (sciatica), Adou Thiero (knee), Bronny James (ankle), Chris Mañon (ankle), Augustus Marčiulionis (foot)

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 17, 2025

Vanderbilt is expected to play a big role for LA to start the season, as they will be without James for at least the first handful of weeks. The 26-year-old brings toughness, tenacity and high-energy on the defensive end, where he thrives the most.

While his offense is not his best asset, he crashes the boards and gives the Lakers some second-chance opportunities when he is on the court.

As for Kleber, he's been unavailable more often than available during his Lakers tenure. He played in one game for LA, which was the last game of the season, Game 5 of the playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

In the contest, Kleber finished with two points and one turnover in five minutes of action during the Lakers' elimination loss.

The Lakers will tip off their 2025-26 season on Tuesday when they take on their divison rivals, the Golden State Warriros.

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