The Los Angeles Lakers were shorthanded in their regular season opener against the Golden State Warriors as LeBron James, Adou Thiero and Maxi Kleber did not play due to injury.
James and Thiero had previously been ruled out, while Kleber was listed as questionable because of an oblique strain.
The 33-year-old missed most of the preseason due to a quad injury but was able to play in the finale. His latest ailment surfaced only a day before opening tipoff and he is now expected to be re-evaluated in two weeks.
Despite the setback, Lakers head coach JJ Redick is hopeful that Kleber will be able to make his 2025-26 debut sooner rather than later as he feels for the big man.