When people talk about the trade between the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers, most of the attention goes to Luka Doncic, Anthony Davis, and, to a lesser degree, Max Christie. However, the trade involved other players as well, including Maxi Kleber.
Kleber was part of the trade to balance salaries, but he fractured his foot against the Boston Celtics on January 25th. The Mavericks later confirmed that he underwent surgery for the injury. His return this season wasn’t certain, but that situation might be changing.
According to Jovan Buha, a Lakers reporter for The Athletic, on his podcast, “I’ve heard that there is some optimism that a return before the end of the regular season is possible.”
The Lakers are looking for reliable frontcourt players, with Jaxson Hayes being their only consistent big man since Anthony Davis was traded, even after signing Alex Len. Kleber had a rough season with the Mavericks, posting 3.0 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 38.5% shooting from the field, and 26.5% from three. Still, a healthy Kleber would boost the Lakers’ bench depth.
Under JJ Redick, the Lakers have been on fire, winning 17 of their last 21 games. They could claim the second seed in the West if they defeat the LA Clippers on Sunday night. Meanwhile, the Mavericks are battling for a spot in the play-in tournament.
