Lakers Release Maxi Kleber After Brief, Injury‑Plagued Stint

Why the Lakers Cut Ties

The Los Angeles Lakers have officially renounced their free‑agent rights to a long list of players, including veteran forward Maxi Kleber. The move, reported by HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, signals the end of a short and troubled tenure for the 34‑year‑old German veteran. Clippers fans likely breathed a sigh of relief, knowing Kleber’s questionable production and injury history would not factor into Los Angeles’s immediate plans.

Lakers management cited the need to free up roster spots and improve their chances of contending in the 2025‑26 season. By releasing players who were not fitting the team’s vision, the franchise hopes to construct a more cohesive and competitive roster. The decision follows a pattern of trimming under‑performing contracts to prioritize younger, more versatile talent.

Kleber’s Time in Los Angeles

Maxi Kleber, a 6‑foot‑10 undrafted forward from Würzburg, Germany, arrived in Los Angeles on February 2, 2025, as part of a trade with the Dallas Mavericks that also involved Luka Doncic. He never took the court for the Lakers because a right‑foot fracture kept him sidelined. A quad injury further delayed his debut, causing him to miss the start of the 2025‑26 campaign.

Kleber finally appeared on November 8 against the Atlanta Hawks, but injuries continued to plague him throughout the season. He missed 41 games in total, limiting his impact. His three‑point shooting in LA—an unremarkable 23.1%—fell far short of the 37.3% and 41.0% marks he posted with Dallas in 2019‑20 and 2020‑21, respectively.

What’s Next for the Veteran

With his free‑agent rights renounced, Maxi Kleber is set to explore other options for the 2026‑27 season. Recent reports from BasketNews’ Donatas Urbonas suggest the forward is weighing a move to the EuroLeague. That league could provide a better fit for a player looking to regain health and showcase his shooting ability without the rigors of the NBA schedule.

The 34‑year‑old’s market may also include interest from other NBA franchises seeking a low‑cost, experienced front‑court presence. His background as a three‑point specialist and defensive defender could make him a useful add‑on for a team rebuilding or looking for depth.

Full List of Players Renounced

• LeBron James
• Carmelo Anthony
• Dwight Howard
• Dion Waiters
• Luke Kennard
• Marcus Smart
• Maxi Kleber
• Nick Smith Jr
• Jared Dudley
• Avery Bradley
• Jaxson Hayes
• Markieff Morris
• Wayne Ellington

The Lakers’ purge signals a fresh start, clearing the way for younger talent and better fit players to take the court. As the roster reshapes, fans will watch whether this overhaul translates into on‑court success for the 2025‑26 season.