Lakers Rumors: Maxi Kleber Emerging as Logical Buyout Candidate After Trade Deadline

The Los Angeles Lakers didn’t make major waves at the NBA trade deadline, but their acquisition of sharpshooter Luke Kennard could still prove valuable down the stretch. With the postseason approaching, however, the front office may not be finished tweaking the roster.

One potential move gaining traction among analysts involves veteran forward Maxi Kleber, who has struggled to carve out a meaningful role this season. According to NBA insider John Hollinger of The Athletic, Kleber stands out as a logical buyout candidate as the Lakers finalize their roster for the playoff push.

Maxi Kleber Named Potential Lakers Buyout Candidate

While the Lakers avoided major roster upheaval at the deadline, Hollinger believes there is still an opportunity to improve roster flexibility. He specifically pointed to Maxi Kleber’s situation, noting that the veteran’s contract and limited playing time make him a prime candidate for a buyout.

Kleber is earning roughly $11 million this season but has barely seen the floor. Hollinger suggested that personal relationships — particularly his friendship with Lakers superstar Luka Dončić — could be one reason he has remained on the roster.

Still, from a purely basketball standpoint, Kleber’s role has diminished significantly.

Limited Production and Playing Time in 2025–26

Kleber has appeared in just 25 games this season, averaging only 11 minutes per contest. Much of that playing time has come in situations where other frontcourt players were unavailable, rather than as part of a consistent rotation role.

When he has been on the court, the 34-year-old has struggled to make an impact:

• 2.0 points per game

• 1.8 rebounds per game

• 0.8 assists per game

• 0.4 steals per game

• 0.2 blocks per game

His shooting numbers have also dipped sharply. Kleber is shooting just 37.8% from the field and a concerning 23.5% from three-point range — well below league average and far from the efficiency he once provided as a reliable stretch big.

Those struggles have made it difficult for him to justify consistent minutes in a Lakers rotation that is increasingly focused on playoff readiness.

Decline From Key Rotation Piece to End-of-Bench Option

Earlier in his career, Kleber was known as a valuable role player during his time with the Dallas Mavericks. He provided floor spacing, defensive versatility, and dependable energy off the bench. At his peak, he was considered one of the more effective complementary forwards in the league.

That version of Kleber has largely faded.

Age, injuries, and declining production have reduced his effectiveness, leaving him as more of a depth option than a true contributor. While his contract could have been useful as salary matching in a larger trade, the Lakers ultimately chose not to include him in any major deadline deals.

With the trade deadline now passed, his contract no longer holds the same strategic value.

Why a Buyout Could Make Sense for the Lakers

From a roster construction standpoint, the Lakers have limited reasons to keep Kleber if he is not part of the regular rotation. A buyout could open a roster spot for a player who might provide more immediate value during the playoff push.

Potential benefits of a buyout include:

Roster flexibility:
Freeing up a roster spot would allow the Lakers to pursue another veteran via the buyout market — a common strategy for contenders seeking depth late in the season.

Financial clarity:
A buyout agreement could reduce the team’s financial obligations while allowing Kleber to seek opportunities elsewhere.

Rotation clarity:
Moving on from Kleber would simplify rotation decisions and allow the coaching staff to focus on players who will contribute consistently.

However, there are also reasons the Lakers might hesitate.

Reasons Kleber Could Remain on the Roster

Despite his limited impact, the Lakers are not under significant pressure to move on from Kleber immediately. His veteran presence and familiarity with key players — particularly Luka Dončić — could still carry some value inside the locker room.

Additionally, injuries are always a concern during the final stretch of the season. Keeping experienced depth on the roster provides insurance if frontcourt injuries occur.

Because of these factors, the Lakers may simply hold onto Kleber through the remainder of the season unless a clear upgrade becomes available on the buyout market.

Lakers’ Focus Shifts to Playoff Preparation

With the trade deadline behind them and Luke Kennard added to the roster, the Lakers’ primary focus now turns to postseason positioning. Every roster decision moving forward will be evaluated through a playoff lens.

If the front office believes another player could offer more meaningful minutes or situational value, moving on from Kleber becomes more likely. If not, they may opt for stability and keep the veteran forward as depth.

Final Thoughts

Maxi Kleber’s future with the Los Angeles Lakers remains uncertain, but the logic behind a potential buyout is clear. Limited playing time, declining production, and a contract that no longer serves trade purposes all point toward the possibility of a roster change.

Still, the Lakers are in no rush. Whether they choose to pursue additional buyout options or maintain roster continuity, the decision will ultimately hinge on what best positions the team for a deep playoff run.

For now, Kleber remains a Laker — but his role in Los Angeles appears increasingly uncertain as the season enters its most critical phase.