Former Los Angeles Lakers veteran Maxi Kleber emerges as overseas target
Former Los Angeles Lakers center Maxi Kleber, a 34-year-old with nine NBA seasons under his belt, has become a target for Israeli club Hapoel Tel Aviv, according to Eurohoops.net. The Lakers, who finished their last season with a five-game losing streak (0W-0D-5L) including a 110-115 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on May 12, 2026, may see Kleber continue his career abroad after minimal NBA interest this summer.
What happened during Kleber's Lakers tenure?
Kleber arrived in Los Angeles as part of the blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Luka Doncic and Markieff Morris. His Lakers debut came in the 2025 NBA Playoffs, where he appeared in just one game for five minutes. During the 2025-2026 regular season, Kleber played 43 games, averaging 2.0 points and 2.0 rebounds in 10.7 minutes per game while shooting 45.2% from the field.
Why is Kleber considering overseas options?
After his contract expired, Kleber became a free agent but has struggled to generate NBA interest. The veteran center, who spent eight seasons with the Mavericks before joining the Lakers, averaged 6.4 points and 4.4 rebounds during his Dallas tenure. With limited opportunities in the NBA, Kleber may now explore a move to Israel or other overseas leagues to extend his professional career.
What comes next for Kleber and the Lakers?
While Kleber's future remains uncertain, the Lakers will look to rebuild after their disappointing end to the 2025-2026 season. The team's recent form, marked by five consecutive losses, highlights the need for roster adjustments. Kleber's potential departure underscores the challenges faced by older veterans in securing NBA contracts, especially after limited playing time.
