Lakers predicted to cut ties with Luka Doncic's former $33 million Mavericks teammate
With the February 5 trade deadline rapidly approaching, the Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly evaluating their roster options to maximize their championship window. While the franchise made waves with the blockbuster acquisition of Luka Doncic earlier in 2025, not every piece of that roster reshuffle has paid dividends. According to recent analysis, the Lakers are now predicted to part ways with one of Doncic’s long-time peers, Maxi Kleber, who has struggled to find his footing in Southern California.
Kleber, who arrived in Los Angeles as part of the massive trade package that paired Doncic with the Purple and Gold, was initially viewed as a key rotation piece. The German forward had previously established himself as a reliable "3-and-D" specialist during his tenure with the Dallas Mavericks, where he signed a three-year, $33 million contract extension in 2022. However, his transition to JJ Redick’s system has been far from seamless. Reports from Lake Show Life indicate that the Lakers are likely to cut ties with the 33-year-old big man, citing his inability to stay healthy and contribute meaningfully to the rotation.
The statistics paint a concerning picture for Kleber’s future in Los Angeles. In the 2025-26 campaign, he is averaging just 1.8 points and 1.8 rebounds while playing roughly 12.1 minutes per game. Furthermore, a lingering lower back injury has kept him sidelined, further diminishing his value to a team desperate for reliable bench production. While he is shooting a respectable 37.5% from beyond the arc, the volume is too low to make a tangible impact on the Lakers' spacing issues.
Analysts suggest that moving Kleber is a necessary step for General Manager Rob Pelinka to open up a roster spot or aggregate salary for a more athletic defensive wing. With the Lakers aiming to solidify their defense around Doncic and the core unit, holding onto a depreciating asset like Kleber is no longer a luxury they can afford. As the deadline draws near, expect the front office to aggressively shop the veteran forward to facilitate a roster upgrade.
Kleber, who arrived in Los Angeles as part of the massive trade package that paired Doncic with the Purple and Gold, was initially viewed as a key rotation piece. The German forward had previously established himself as a reliable "3-and-D" specialist during his tenure with the Dallas Mavericks, where he signed a three-year, $33 million contract extension in 2022. However, his transition to JJ Redick’s system has been far from seamless. Reports from Lake Show Life indicate that the Lakers are likely to cut ties with the 33-year-old big man, citing his inability to stay healthy and contribute meaningfully to the rotation.
The statistics paint a concerning picture for Kleber’s future in Los Angeles. In the 2025-26 campaign, he is averaging just 1.8 points and 1.8 rebounds while playing roughly 12.1 minutes per game. Furthermore, a lingering lower back injury has kept him sidelined, further diminishing his value to a team desperate for reliable bench production. While he is shooting a respectable 37.5% from beyond the arc, the volume is too low to make a tangible impact on the Lakers' spacing issues.
Analysts suggest that moving Kleber is a necessary step for General Manager Rob Pelinka to open up a roster spot or aggregate salary for a more athletic defensive wing. With the Lakers aiming to solidify their defense around Doncic and the core unit, holding onto a depreciating asset like Kleber is no longer a luxury they can afford. As the deadline draws near, expect the front office to aggressively shop the veteran forward to facilitate a roster upgrade.
