When the Los Angeles Lakers acquired Luka Dončić, the rest of the pieces coming to the roster were an understandable afterthought. Even today, it is difficult to believe a franchise could be so poorly run as to part ways with the elite talent that is Luka. Even at his worst, the current Los Angeles star is one of the ten greatest players in the league. Still, the deal did have one interesting fallout with the Lakers remaining on the hook for the rest of Maxi Kleber's deal.
The veteran's contract is set to expire at the end of the 2025-26 season, carrying a $11 million cap hit. Kleber was only able to join the active roster last season at the end of the Lakers' run. It was an underwhelming debut that didn't offer a glimpse of any future value. While it is important not to overreact to limited reps coming off injury, it isn't a hot take to call Kleber a limited player. The Lakers not moving on from the veteran sooner is a bit of a surprise.
Kleber is still on the roster, but it seems likely that this is more due to a lack of trade partners and not from a lack of trying. The veteran simply doesn't fit with what the franchise is attempting to build around LeBron and Luka.
Lakers Big Man Maxi Kleber Remains Possible Trade Target
One possible explanation for Kleber's continued presence could be the history with Luka in Dallas. Already, the young star is being asked to take on new expectations and settle into a new city after years with the Mavericks. It is a drastic change, and one could argue that having one familiar teammate does offer Luka a bit of stability. If this is the reasoning, there is no question that Kleber should remain at the end of the Laker bench.
However, if this isn't the sentiment behind Kleber remaining with Los Angeles, a change needs to be made. There is very limited value in having a center who isn't a great shooter and is a limited defender. Kleber has a lot of experience, but this doesn't carry much value if it is primarily negative.
The veteran has had a handful of nice moments and has put together a solid career. One that appears to be nearing an end as the Lakers turn the page to the Luka era. If the Los Angeles star hasn't asked otherwise, it is clearly time to turn the page.