The Los Angeles Lakers acquired the ideal small-ball stretch five in the Luka Doncic trade, but Maxi Kleber can never optimize that role because he can’t stay healthy. He is currently dealing with a minor quad injury, but the litany of soft tissue problems should keep the LA from counting on him. Kleber has played just 114 games in the last three seasons combined, and the latest injury is just another sign of decline.
Head coach JJ Redick would love to use Kleber as his backup center. The Lakers played five-out for the majority of the time after trading for Luka Doncic last season.