What's Happening?
The Los Angeles Lakers will begin their 2025-26 NBA season without backup big man Maxi Kleber, who is sidelined with an oblique strain. Kleber, acquired from the Dallas Mavericks in a trade involving Luka
Doncic, has been plagued by injuries since joining the Lakers. He was recovering from foot surgery at the time of the trade and missed the remainder of the regular season, appearing briefly in the playoffs. Kleber also suffered a quadriceps injury during training camp, limiting his preseason participation. The Lakers will rely on Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes to fill the center position in Kleber's absence. LeBron James and rookie Adou Thiero are also out for the opening game against the Golden State Warriors.
Why It's Important?
Kleber's absence impacts the Lakers' frontcourt depth, potentially affecting their performance in the early season. The team will need to adjust its strategy, relying on Ayton and Hayes to cover the center position. LeBron James' absence due to sciatica further complicates the Lakers' lineup, as he is a key player for the team. The Lakers' ability to adapt to these injuries will be crucial in maintaining their competitive edge in the Pacific Division. The situation highlights the challenges teams face with player injuries and the importance of having a robust roster to manage such setbacks.
What's Next?
Kleber will be reevaluated in two weeks, determining his readiness to return to play. The Lakers will monitor the recovery of LeBron James and Adou Thiero, with James expected to be reevaluated in 1-2 weeks. The team will focus on integrating new players and adjusting their strategies to compensate for the missing players. The upcoming games will test the Lakers' resilience and ability to perform under pressure, with the coaching staff likely to explore different lineup combinations to optimize performance.
