Dallas Basketball

Former Maverick to make debut for Lakers in Playoffs vs. Timberwolves

Head coach JJ Redick said Kleber is "available" for the game after being injured most of the season.
Keenan Womack|
Dec 27, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber (42) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Dec 27, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber (42) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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Dallas MavericksLos Angeles Lakers

Former Dallas Maverick Maxi Kleber is set to make his first appearance in a Los Angeles Lakers uniform since he was sent to Los Angeles on February 2 as a part of the Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade. His last game played was on January 25 with Dallas, a matchup against the Boston Celtics in which he broke his foot after playing 11 total minutes.

READ MORE: Mavs star Anthony Davis placed in elite company with Nikola Jokic by former Celtic

Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber
Dec 27, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber (42) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The injury, which required an eventually successful surgery on January 30, forced him out for the rest of the regular season and into the playoffs – until tonight. Lakers head coach JJ Redick said that Kleber would be available for their Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, a series in which the Lakers trail 3-to-1.

Though he very likely won't be a major contributor in tonight's contest considering the rust he must shake off, Kleber does provide some necessary frontcourt depth on a roster that badly needs it. Considering poor performances from the Lakers' bigs, Kleber at the very least could come off the bench and provide some level of floor spacing, something that LA has lacked so far in the series.

READ MORE: Former Celtic makes bold statement about Mavericks star Kyrie Irving

This season, he has averaged 3.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists on 39% from the field over 34 games. He's not a major impact player at this point in his career, but his presence as another forward in this lineup could have a bigger impact than predicted.

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Keenan Womack
KEENAN WOMACK

Keenan Womack is a sportswriter native to Dallas, Texas, who has spent the last 12 years in Austin, the home of his alma mater, the University of Texas. Keenan has covered sports for SB Nation, Bleacher Report, Rivals/Orangebloods, a host of his own sites and now, Fan Nation. Focusing on basketball, Keenan was on the beat for the Longhorns hoops team for the last two-and-a-half years before moving on to pursue other opportunities. He is married and lives with his wife close to the Moody Center, so they can continue to catch games together.

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