4 Players The Lakers Could Acquire Today For Maxi Kleber And A Second-Round Pick

The Los Angeles Lakers may make another move before the trade deadline if they leverage Maxi Kleber’s contract to pursue specific players.

The Los Angeles Lakers might make another trade before the 2025 NBA trade deadline concludes, following their recent headline-grabbing moves. The buzz from their surprising acquisition of Luka Doncic on Saturday was still settling when they made another significant trade for center Mark Williams to strengthen their starting lineup.

The Lakers continue to seek minor improvements, as noted by Jovan Buha after the Williams trade. With limited options left for further upgrades, their available players mostly have minimum contracts. The exception here is Maxi Kleber, who was included in the Doncic trade.

Kleber earns $11 million this season, an amount the Lakers could invest in a player who can contribute to the rotation. Though Kleber is a seasoned veteran capable of playing backup four or five, he is sidelined for two months due to a foot injury. This leaves the Lakers with an opportunity to trade Kleber and their last remaining second-round pick for a potential upgrade.

Chris Boucher The Toronto Raptors have already made a major move ahead of the trade deadline, acquiring New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram. This move is viewed as a long-term acquisition, as Toronto is focusing on tanking this season. With future seasons in mind, adding a player like Kleber now could be beneficial.

The Raptors could move Chris Boucher, an expiring contract, which aligns with Kleber’s salary, to also gain an additional second-round pick. Boucher is averaging 10.5 points and 4.3 rebounds this season and is expected to be traded either now or in the summer.

Kleber could serve as a valuable bench player for the Raptors next season, given that his contract expires at the end of 2025-26. He could be a solid small-ball five behind Jakob Poeltl or even alongside him. If the Raptors don’t find immediate use for Kleber, they could flip him for future assets.

Terance Mann If the Lakers are looking to make upgrades on the margins, Los Angeles Clippers guard Terance Mann could be a strong option. Mann has lost his spot in the Clippers’ rotation this season, averaging just 6.0 points in 19.8 minutes per game.

Mann, a versatile two-way guard on a long-term contract that runs through 2028, could become a future concern for the Clippers.

The Clippers would be inclined to make this trade, as Kleber’s contract expires sooner than Mann’s. Maxi Kleber could also be valuable for the Clippers in the playoffs as a backup big behind Drew Eubanks, with his ability to switch defensively and stretch the floor. Meanwhile, Mann would provide the Lakers with a much-needed defensive guard behind Doncic and Reaves. Although Mann and Doncic have a past rivalry, their shared winning aspirations could easily resolve any tension.

Matisse Thybulle Matisse Thybulle transitioned from an All-Defensive selection to a marginal rotation player on a rebuilding Portland Trail Blazers team in just a few seasons. Thybulle hasn’t had the chance to display his elite defensive abilities on a contending team since being traded from the 76ers in 2022, but he may now seek an opportunity with a team that values his defensive prowess.

Thybulle has not played this season. Despite his defensive value, his lack of offensive output has kept teams from actively pursuing him. However, with offensive firepower already in place with Doncic, Reaves, and LeBron, a defense-first player like Thybulle would be a great addition for the Lakers.

The Blazers likely have little use for Kleber outside of placing him as a veteran on their bench. They could try to extract assets for him next summer, which could keep Kleber off the court for the remainder of the season.

This could also present an opportunity for the Lakers to bring back a former player, Larry Nance Jr. The 32-year-old is averaging 9.5 points and 4.5 rebounds on the Atlanta Hawks while playing just 19.1 minutes per game this season.

Nance is facing a crowded forward and big-man situation in Atlanta, struggling to find a consistent role.

Nance Jr. can play both the four and the five positions. He is known for his solid defense, making him an ideal candidate for the Lakers to consider.