The LA Lakers acquired three gamers from the Dallas Mavericks as a part of the blockbuster commerce earlier this month.
The Dallas Mavericks‘ determination to commerce away Luka Doncic was met with shock by LA Lakers GM Rob Pelinka. Impressively he was in a position to whittle down the commerce bundle and maintain onto a few of the Lakers property, whereas sending Anthony Davis and Mark Christie to Dallas.
The Lakers acquired two further gamers. One was veteran Markieff Morris, who was shocked to be traded, and able to retire if he had been despatched wherever else if not the Lakers.
The opposite was Maxi Kleber, who’s at present out with a damaged foot. But he might nonetheless make his presence felt in 2024-25.
The rescinded commerce for Mark Williams limits the Lakers choices, with Jaxson Hayes beginning at heart in opposition to the Jazz.
The Lakers signed veteran Alex Len to spherical out their choices. Energy ahead Maxi Kleber has the skillset to contribute, and will but make an impression this season.
ESPN’s Tim MacMahon broke down how, talking to The Hoop Collective, explaining that the German ought to be greater than an after-thought, when wholesome.
He stated: “Maxi Kleber was presupposed to be salary-filler on this deal for essentially the most half. However I’m simply telling you, clearly it’s going to be some time, he’s obtained a damaged foot.
“Maxi Kleber has been a really helpful participant for the Mavericks over time, significantly in playoffs as a result of, and also you have a look at his numbers and ‘what are you speaking about this man’s obtained 3 factors and three rebounds’, however he can area the ground, and he can play the 5, and change all the pieces.
“You possibly can play a five-out model and change all the pieces with Maxi Kleber taking part in the 5, and this can be a group that would actually use that type of man, their choices are so restricted.”
Former NBA star Jeff Teague additionally voiced his approval for the Lakers buying Kleber as a part of the deal for Luka Doncic, who made his debut in opposition to the Jazz earlier this week.
Maxi Kleber suffered an harm within the third quarter of the Mavericks’ loss on the Boston Celtics on January 25.
He suffered a fracture in his proper foot and was dominated out for an ‘prolonged interval’.
MacMahon added: “We heard a couple of months when he broke it, again in January, perhaps he can get again by finish of the common season.”
Kleber has performed 44 profession playoff video games, together with 13 final season for the Mavericks. That is expertise that may very well be invaluable to the Lakers, who’re decided for a robust low season run.
One analyst even confidently claimed they’ll defeat OKC within the Western Convention Finals. Getting there can be an achievement in itself.