The Los Angeles Lakers have given an update on Maxi Kleber, who has progressed to on-court activities after right foot surgery on January 30. While they’re still being cautious with his return timeline, this is a big step in his recovery.
Kleber’s role may not be as sexy as some of his teammates but his impact on the court can’t be ignored—especially for a Lakers team looking to go deep.
Why Maxi Kleber Matters for the Lakers
A Perfect Fit for Small-Ball Lineups
Since trading for Luka Doncic, the Lakers have gone all in on small-ball lineups. When healthy, Kleber is a reliable stretch big who can shoot from beyond the arc. He spaces the floor and is a valuable piece alongside LeBron James, Austin Reaves and Doncic.
Kleber’s chemistry with Doncic from their time in Dallas adds another layer of intrigue. The two have built a relationship over the years and Kleber could be a rotational option once he’s back.
Lineup Versatility and Playoff Implications
Right now the Lakers only have Jaxson Hayes as their only traditional big in the rotation. But coach JJ Redick has shown confidence in smaller lineups with LeBron James, Rui Hachimura and Dorian Finney-Smith at center.
Even with Kleber back—even in limited minutes—he’d give the Lakers more flexibility against bigger teams or specific matchups. In the playoffs where adaptability is key, every extra option matters.
Will Kleber Return Before the Regular Season Ends?
With just six games left in the regular season, the clock is really starting to tick for Kleber to make his Lakers debut. There’s optimism within the organization that he could return before the postseason begins—and that’s a good sign. But the real challenge will be getting him up to speed on the court after so little practice time. If his on-court activities keep progressing smoothly, though, we might just see him in a Lakers jersey sooner rather than later.
How Kleber Fits Into the Lakers’ Offense?
That’s where the Lakers’ revamped offense under JJ Redick comes in. One of its key features is all that spacing and ball movement. With LeBron James, Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic drawing defenders to them like magnets, role players are often wide open from beyond the arc. That’s where Kleber could fit in nicely.
Kleber’s return would be a huge boost for the Lakers. His shooting would give the offense another reliable option—and force defenses to get even more spread out. That’s a big deal for a team with title aspirations.
Rui Hachimura: The Key to Small-Ball Success
That’s where Rui Hachimura comes in. In Kleber’s absence, he’s been the one who’s really made the Lakers’ small-ball strategy work. Coach JJ Redick has praised him as “the key” to those lineups—and for good reason.
Hachimura does it all. He can score in the post, or step out and hit mid-range jumpers. That versatility makes him a perfect fit for the Lakers’ star trio. And it shows in the way he’s been contributing to the team’s success.