Austin Reaves makes ‘one of the best’ claim about Maxi Kleber despite him scoring just two points in Lakers win

Austin Reaves hails Maxi Kleber after win vs Utah Jazz

Maxi Kleber joined the Lakers from the Dallas Mavericks alongside Luka Doncic at the trade deadline in February.

Kleber played one game for the Lakers last season, in their Western Conference first-round defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

As the Lakers’ third-choice center behind Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes, the German has also rarely played in the 2025-26 season.

However, after Ayton exited the game against the Jazz, JJ Redick called upon Kleber for 14 minutes.

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He only put up two points and three rebounds, but Austin Reaves was still impressed with his contribution.

“I told him today, I was like, ‘I know you think I’m messing with you every time I talk to you,’ but he was one of the best players on the floor for us tonight,” Reaves said.

“Just energy, effort, the way he plays, the plays he made. It’s not easy to do, sitting the whole first half and then coming out there and doing what he did, so you tip your hat to guys like that. You want to see them succeed.”

Maxi Kleber’s LA Lakers future remains uncertain

Maxi Kleber proved in the Lakers’ win against the Jazz that he can be a solid backup center whenever Ayton or Hayes are unavailable.

However, Kleber must do plenty more to convince the Lakers not to trade him at the deadline.

The 33-year-old will not have much trade value, but his $11 million-per-year contract could be used to match salaries.

The Lakers will not add another superstar like Doncic this season, but a combination of Kleber and a pick could return a quality role player.