Lakers' Maxi Kleber Out Two Weeks with Oblique Strain

The Los Angeles Lakers will start the 2025-26 NBA season without backup big man Maxi Kleber due to an oblique strain, with the team planning to reevaluate his condition in about two weeks. Kleber, who joined the Lakers in February as part of the Luka Doncic trade, has struggled with a series of injuries, including foot surgery and a quadriceps injury, limiting his playing time since his arrival. His absence compounds the Lakers' frontcourt challenges, as star LeBron James is also sidelined with sciatica, and rookie Adou Thiero is recovering from knee surgery. The Lakers will rely heavily on Deandre Ayton, Jaxson Hayes, Rui Hachimura, and Jarred Vanderbilt for frontcourt minutes, with two-way player Christian Koloko potentially seeing increased playing time. Kleber's injury history has been a setback for the team, but the relatively short expected recovery period offers some hope for his return early in the season. Despite Kleber not being a primary rotation player, his absence further tests the Lakers' depth as they face a challenging start to the season.