Maxi Kleber has continued to stick out as a key name who should be preparing for life away from Los Angeles in the not-so-distant future. The main problem with that idea for the Los Angeles Lakers is the lackluster value Kleber possesses on the trade market.
Jovan Buha addressed the topic on a recent episode of his podcast. The Lakers insider believed both Kleber and his teammate, Gabe Vincent, are not being viewed favorably by the rest of the league at the moment.
Buha admitted, "Both guys, depending on who you talk to, depending on who you survey, have somewhere between slightly negative to just negative value. I would not consider either one of these guys neutral to positive value players, in terms of their contract, even with being on an expiring."
The prevailing thought Lakers fans have been stuck on is pairing the contracts of Vincent and Kleber together and pursuing an upgrade, with some level of draft capital or extra assets in the mix. The idea is certainly not impossible to see happen. However, for Rob Pelinka to make a calculated strike, time and good fortune will be necessary.
Maxi Kleber's trade value needs resuscitation for Lakers' hopes of splash move
Is it really a surprise to anyone that Kleber does not hold high trade value heading into the 2025-26 NBA season? His best years as a valuable role player are behind him.
From 2019-2022, Kleber averaged 7.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.5 steals, and 1.0 block in 24.3 minutes per game for the Dallas Mavericks, shooting 43.8 percent from the field and 36.5 percent from beyond the arc. His defense and floor spacing made him an intriguing and valuable inclusion into many lineups.
Kleber has only managed to play 114 regular season games over the last three seasons. When the former Mavericks big man was on the floor, that came with averages of 4.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.3 steals, and 0.7 blocks during 21.4 minutes per game. The drop-off was noticeable.
That was especially true for the scoring department. Kleber dipped in his percentages, shooting 43.1 percent from the field, and 33.2 percent from distance.
His 2024-25 season was the most telling sign of that. Kleber only managed a field goal percentage of 38.5 percent and a 3-point mark of 26.5 percent.
Perhaps some situational appearances for the Lakers big off the bench will allow him to rebuild value. However, the biggest change that can occur which will help Pelinka move him would not have anything to do with Kleber.
Teams around the Lakers will eventually fade from the hopeful positions they enter the 2025-26 campaign with. When they do, the Lakers will have their moment, should they want to seize it.