The Los Angeles Lakers announced that Maxi Kleber (back soreness) is available for Tuesday night’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans.
The 34-year-old originally was not on the Lakers’ injury report but was then downgraded to questionable earlier in the day. JJ Redick revealed pregame that Kleber was feeling some soreness but would try to give it a go.
Kleber has been in and out of the Lakers’ rotation this season but had played well in their last two wins against the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings. It will be interesting to see if that leads to more rotation minutes against the Pelicans, or if the team is cautious with the back issue and holds him out despite being available.
After the win over the Kings, Kleber spoke about how he stays ready despite not having a consistent role for the Lakers.
“I just always focus on staying ready, being ready,” Kleber said. “On the defensive side, making sure that I communicate to the guys and make the right decisions on the switches, on the screen calls. On the offensive side, setting good screens, getting my teammates open because I know if I do that, I might get a dish here or there. So just playing the game like I’m expected to do.”
With Kleber hobbled, Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes will continue to get minutes at center while Jarred Vanderbilt could be back in the rotation for JJ Redick as well.
JJ Redick praises Maxi Kleber as player and teammate
Maxi Kleber hasn’t had a consistent role in the Lakers’ rotation this season but has stepped up whenever needed. Lakers head coach JJ Redick recently praised the big man for his ability to come off the bench and contribute while also being a good teammate all year.
“We have a lot of good guys on our team. A lot,” Redick recently said. “I love these guys. [Kleber’s] teammates love him. He’s a terrific teammate. It’s easy to root for his success because of when he started his NBA career and some of these injuries. He’s not the same that he was when he was at his peak in Dallas, when I thought he was one of the most impactful universal defenders in the NBA. But he just plays winning basketball, [is] very unselfish and selfless.”
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!
