4 Players The Lakers Could Target for Maxi Kleber and a Second-Round Pick
The Los Angeles Lakers are eyeing another move before the 2025 NBA trade deadline, using Maxi Kleber’s contract to acquire specific players.
Ishaan Bhattacharya
After making headlines with their high-profile trade for Luka Doncic last Saturday, the Los Angeles Lakers continued their aggressive approach by securing center Mark Williams, aiming to solidify their starting five. Despite these bold moves, the Lakers are still looking for ways to improve their roster. According to Jovan Buha, most of the available players on their roster are on minimum contracts, except for Maxi Kleber, whom they recently acquired in the Doncic deal.
Kleber is making $11 million this season, which the Lakers could use to bring in a reliable contributor. Although Kleber is a respected veteran who can serve as a backup forward or center, a recent foot injury will keep him sidelined for two months. This opens the possibility of the Lakers leveraging Kleber and their lone second-round pick to acquire an upgrade.
Chris Boucher
The Toronto Raptors have already been active, trading for New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram. With their focus set on rebuilding for next season, the Raptors might see value in acquiring Kleber now. Kleber could serve as a valuable bench piece next season, especially given his contract expiring at the end of 2025-26. Boucher, whose expiring contract matches Kleber’s salary, is averaging 10.5 points and 4.3 rebounds this season and might be moved soon. The Raptors could use Kleber in a small-ball five role behind Jakob Poeltl or pair him with Poeltl in the frontcourt. If they’re not keen on keeping Kleber, they could trade him for future assets.
Terance Mann
For marginal improvements, the Lakers might target Los Angeles Clippers guard Terance Mann. After losing his place in the Clippers’ rotation, Mann is averaging just 6.0 points in 19.8 minutes per game. However, his long-term contract runs through 2028, which could be an issue for the Clippers. The Clippers could benefit from acquiring Kleber, whose expiring contract offers more flexibility. Kleber could be useful for the Clippers as a backup big in the playoffs, complementing newly acquired Drew Eubanks. Meanwhile, Mann would address the Lakers’ guard depth issues, providing defensive support behind Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, though his past tension with Doncic would need resolution.
Matisse Thybulle
Matisse Thybulle, once an All-Defensive selection, has struggled for consistent minutes on the rebuilding Portland Trail Blazers. Since being traded by the 76ers in 2022, Thybulle has failed to showcase his defensive prowess on a contender. He has yet to play this season but would be a welcome addition for the Lakers, who have plenty of offensive firepower but could benefit from a defensive-focused player. The Blazers have little use for Kleber, except as a veteran on the bench. They could look to trade him next summer, which might mean Kleber doesn’t play again this season.
Larry Nance Jr.
Another option for the Lakers is a reunion with Larry Nance Jr., currently playing for the Atlanta Hawks. Averaging 9.5 points and 4.5 rebounds in 19.1 minutes per game this season, Nance has struggled to find a consistent role with the Hawks. Despite his challenges, Nance can play both forward and center, offering solid defense. The Lakers could benefit from bringing Nance back to fill a depth role, as the Hawks face a crowded frontcourt, making it tough for Nance to carve out more minutes.