Discussions about the trade between the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers often focus on Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis, but also include Maxi Kleber, who was included for salary matching. After fracturing his foot on January 25 and undergoing surgery, his return this season was uncertain. However, there is now optimism regarding his potential comeback before the regular season ends, which could bolster the Lakers’ frontcourt, struggling since trading Davis. Despite a challenging season with limited stats, a healthy Kleber would improve the Lakers’ bench as they vie for playoff positioning, unlike the Mavericks, fighting for a play-in spot.
Conversations about the trade between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers often focus on Luka Doncic, Anthony Davis, and, to a lesser extent, Max Christie. However, there were additional components involved in the trade, including Maxi Kleber.
Kleber was part of the trade primarily to match salaries, but he suffered a foot fracture against the Boston Celtics on January 25th, and the Mavericks quickly announced his surgery for the injury. His return to play this season was uncertain, but recent updates could suggest a shift in that outlook.
READ MORE: Jason Kidd provides injury update on Mavericks forward
Jovan Buha, who covers the Lakers for The Athletic, mentioned on his podcast, “There appears to be some hope that he could return before the regular season wraps up.”
The Lakers are in urgent need of effective frontcourt depth, as Jaxson Hayes has been their sole strong big man since they traded Anthony Davis, despite acquiring Alex Len. Kleber has faced challenges this season with the Mavericks, averaging 3.0 points and 2.8 rebounds per game, while shooting 38.5% overall and 26.5% from beyond the arc. However, a fit Kleber would provide a significant boost coming off the bench for the Lakers’ frontcourt.
JJ Redick has led the Lakers to a resurgence, winning 17 of their last 21 games. They have a chance to secure the second seed in the Western Conference if they defeat the LA Clippers on Sunday night. This stands in stark contrast to the Mavericks, who are scrambling for positioning within the play-in tournament.
READ MORE: 3 takeaways as Bucks demolish Mavericks in Dallas
Stay tuned to MavericksGameday for more FREE coverage of the Dallas Mavericks throughout the 2024-25 Season
Follow MavericksGameday on Twitter and Austin Veazey on Twitter