Unexpected Leadership: Maxi Kleber Emerges as Steady Voice for Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers have spent the opening months of the regular season navigating injuries, inconsistency, and constant lineup changes. As roles have fluctuated across the roster, one player has quietly established himself as a steady presence behind the scenes: Maxi Kleber.

Despite inconsistent minutes and limited statistical output, the veteran big man has embraced a leadership role that extends well beyond the box score.

Leadership Beyond Minutes and Shots

Kleber’s playing time has varied throughout the season, but his mindset has remained unchanged. Speaking during a recent Lakers shootaround, he emphasized that leadership is not tied to usage rate or minutes played.

“We all have a responsibility to lead. It’s a team sport, so everybody has a part in it,” Kleber said.

“Obviously not everybody’s going to take the same shots or play the same minutes. Everybody has to know their role and be their best.”

For Kleber, that role centers on reliability, communication, and effort — especially during difficult stretches.

“You want to support the team in whatever way you can,” he added.

“For me, that’s staying ready, playing hard, making simple plays, setting screens. And as a teammate, you want to lift guys up, communicate when you see something, and support each other.”

A Long Road to the Court

Kleber arrived in Los Angeles as part of the blockbuster trade that brought Luka Dončić to the Lakers from the Dallas Mavericks. However, his debut with the team was delayed significantly.

He missed the start of the season while recovering from a foot injury, then saw his return pushed back further due to quad and oblique issues. As a result, his integration into the rotation came gradually and under less-than-ideal circumstances.

Making an Impact When It Matters

Even with limited opportunities, Kleber has delivered in key moments.

One of his most important contributions came during the Lakers’ road win over the Utah Jazz on November 23, when he:

• Scored a crucial basket late in the fourth quarter
• Made the game-saving defensive contest on Keyonte George’s potential game-winning three

That sequence reinforced why head coach JJ Redick continues to trust him in high-leverage situations.

Trust Earned Through Defense and Toughness

So far this season, Kleber has appeared in 16 games, averaging roughly 12 minutes per contest. His averages — 1.8 points and 1.7 rebounds — are modest, but his value lies elsewhere.

Redick has consistently leaned on Kleber because of:

• Defensive awareness
• Physical toughness
• Willingness to do the dirty work

There have also been moments when Kleber has stepped in to defend teammates after physical plays, reinforcing his role as an enforcer and emotional stabilizer.

Refocusing During a Rough Stretch

With the Lakers recently losing four of their last five games, Kleber believes the path forward is not complicated — but it does require discipline.

“The best way to handle a situation like this is going back to the basics,” Kleber explained.

“Sticking with the habits we created as a team, focusing on simple things.”

According to him, the solution lies in effort and unity rather than drastic changes.

“There will always be ups and downs. That’s sports,” he said.

“We just have to get back in line with the basics — effort plays, playing together, and having each other’s back.”

A Quiet Anchor in Unstable Times

While Kleber may not headline box scores or nightly highlights, his presence has become increasingly important for a Lakers team searching for consistency and accountability.

In a locker room filled with star power, Maxi Kleber’s leadership has emerged in the most understated way possible — through professionalism, preparation, and doing whatever the team needs on any given night.