Maximilian “Maxi” Kleber, born on January 29, 1992, in Würzburg, Germany, has carved out a unique and valuable niche in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a versatile big man. Standing at 6 feet 10 inches and weighing 240 pounds, Kleber is known for his ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting, provide crucial rim protection, and offer defensive versatility. His journey from a promising European talent to a key role player in the NBA, particularly with the Dallas Mavericks, and now the Los Angeles Lakers, is a testament to his adaptability, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the game.
Early Life and Basketball Roots in Germany
Maxi Kleber’s basketball journey began in his hometown of Würzburg, a city with a rich basketball tradition that also produced NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki. Growing up, Kleber honed his skills in the German youth systems, developing a well-rounded game that would later become his calling card. He played for his hometown club, s.Oliver Baskets Würzburg, showcasing his potential as a modern big man capable of playing both power forward and center.
His early career in Germany saw him mature as a player, developing a reputation for his defensive instincts and an improving outside shot. These attributes, while not always leading to gaudy statistical outputs, were highly valued by coaches who recognized his impact on team dynamics. Kleber’s strong work ethic and continuous improvement allowed him to climb the ranks of German basketball, eventually attracting the attention of scouts from across the Atlantic.
European Success and NBA Dreams
Before making the leap to the NBA, Kleber spent several seasons in some of Europe’s top leagues, further refining his game. He played for Bayern Munich, one of Germany’s most prestigious basketball clubs, where he gained valuable experience in high-pressure situations, including EuroLeague competition. During his time in Europe, he consistently demonstrated his ability to contribute effectively on both ends of the floor, even against seasoned professional opponents.
His European experience was crucial in preparing him for the physicality and strategic demands of the NBA. He learned to play within a system, understand complex defensive schemes, and make quick decisions, all of which are essential for success at the highest level of basketball. While he was eligible for the NBA Draft in 2014, he went undrafted, a common path for many European players who opt to further develop their skills abroad before attempting to make the jump to the NBA. This allowed him to arrive in the NBA more prepared and polished than many traditional draft picks.
The Dallas Mavericks Era: A Defensive Anchor and Stretch Big
Maxi Kleber’s NBA dream materialized when he signed with the Dallas Mavericks in 2017. He joined a team that had long embraced international talent, most notably with Dirk Nowitzki. Kleber quickly endeared himself to the Mavericks’ coaching staff and fanbase with his selfless play, defensive versatility, and ability to knock down the three-point shot.
His role with the Mavericks primarily involved playing as a stretch power forward or a small-ball center. He became a crucial piece in their defensive schemes, often tasked with guarding multiple positions due to his agility and length. His ability to switch onto smaller guards and protect the rim against bigger centers made him an invaluable asset in the modern NBA, which increasingly values positional flexibility.
Offensively, Kleber’s primary contribution was his three-point shooting, which provided essential spacing for the Mavericks’ star players, particularly Luka Dončić. His presence on the court forced opposing defenses to extend, creating driving lanes and opportunities for others. While his scoring numbers were never exceptionally high, his efficiency and timely shooting were often critical in close games. He became a reliable “3-and-D” player, a highly sought-after archetype in today’s league.
Key Highlights and Contributions with the Mavericks:
Defensive Versatility: Kleber’s defensive IQ and ability to guard various positions were consistently highlighted by coaches and analysts. He was often deployed as a primary defender against opposing bigs and could hold his own against quicker perimeter players on switches.
Three-Point Shooting: He developed into a consistent threat from beyond the arc, often shooting above league average for his position. His ability to space the floor was vital to the Mavericks’ offensive philosophy.
Playoff Performances: Kleber often elevated his game in the playoffs, showcasing his toughness and clutch shooting. He had notable performances where his three-point shooting was instrumental in Mavericks’ victories. For instance, he had a career-high 26 points against the Orlando Magic in February 2020.
Team-First Mentality: Kleber was consistently praised for his team-first attitude and willingness to do the “dirty work” on defense and rebounding. He was a low-maintenance player who focused on impacting winning.
During his tenure with the Mavericks, Kleber’s playing time and impact fluctuated due to injuries, which have unfortunately been a recurring theme in his career. Despite these setbacks, he consistently fought his way back, demonstrating his mental fortitude and commitment to his team.
Trade to the Los Angeles Lakers and Current Status
In a blockbuster trade in February 2025, Maxi Kleber, along with Luka Dončić and Markieff Morris, was traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers. This move marked a significant shift in Kleber’s career, as he joined a new team with different dynamics and expectations.
Since the trade, Kleber has been dealing with a foot injury that required surgery and has sidelined him for an extended period. As of late April/early May 2025, he was upgraded to questionable for Game 5 of the Lakers’ playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, indicating significant progress in his recovery. While it remains to be seen if he will get playing time immediately, his return to the court will be a valuable addition to the Lakers, who can benefit from his size, shooting, and defensive capabilities.
His current contract with the Lakers is a 3-year, $33,000,000 deal, signed on September 8, 2022, with an $11,000,000 cap hit. This contract extends through the 2025-26 season, reflecting the value teams place on his specific skill set.
Playing Style and Impact
Maxi Kleber’s playing style is defined by his versatility and high basketball IQ. He is not a high-volume scorer, but his impact extends beyond the box score.
Defense: He is an excellent positional defender with good footwork and length. He excels at guarding both power forwards and centers, and his ability to switch onto perimeter players in pick-and-roll situations is a significant asset. He is also a decent rim protector and shot blocker, often coming up with crucial blocks through his strong weak-side help defense.
Three-Point Shooting: Kleber’s ability to stretch the floor from the power forward or center position is a key element of his offensive game. He can hit open threes, which opens up driving lanes for ball-dominant players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis in the Lakers’ system.
Rebounding: While not a dominant rebounder, he contributes consistently on the boards, particularly on the defensive end.
Basketball IQ: Kleber makes smart plays on both ends of the floor. He understands defensive rotations, knows when to help, and makes good decisions with the ball, minimizing turnovers.
Role Player Excellence: Kleber embodies the ideal role player. He doesn’t demand the ball or play selfishly. Instead, he focuses on maximizing his strengths to complement the team’s stars, doing the “dirty work” that often goes unnoticed but is vital to winning.
Personal Life and Beyond the Court
Maxi Kleber is known for his quiet and professional demeanor. He generally keeps his personal life private, focusing on his basketball career. However, he is active on social media, particularly Instagram, where he occasionally shares glimpses of his life, training, and interactions with teammates.
His German heritage is a significant part of his identity. He has proudly represented his country on the German national team, playing in tournaments such as the 2014 EuroBasket and the 2019 FIBA World Cup. However, he recently stated that his time with the national team is over, citing “uncomfortable situations” that arose after he opted out of the 2022 EuroBasket, which led to public criticism from German national team captain Dennis Schröder. Despite this, he remains a strong supporter of German basketball.
FAQs
Who is Maxi Kleber?
Born on January 29, 1992, in Würzburg, Germany, Maxi Kleber is a 6’10” power forward known for his defensive capabilities and three-point shooting. He began his NBA journey with the Dallas Mavericks in 2017 and, as of 2025, plays for the Los Angeles Lakers.
What are Maxi Kleber’s stats for the 2024-25 NBA season?
In the 2024-25 regular season, Kleber averaged:
Points per game (PPG): 3.0
Rebounds per game (RPG): 2.8
Assists per game (APG): 1.3
Field Goal Percentage (FG%): 38.5%
Three-Point Percentage (3P%): Data not specified
Free Throw Percentage (FT%): Data not specified
These statistics reflect his role as a rotational player, contributing primarily on defense and spacing the floor.
What is Maxi Kleber’s injury history and current status?
Kleber underwent right foot surgery on January 30, 2025, which sidelined him for a significant portion of the season. He began on-court activities in April and was upgraded to “questionable” before Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Ultimately, he was cleared to play, marking his return to the court.
What is Maxi Kleber’s contract status?
In September 2022, Kleber signed a three-year, $33 million fully guaranteed contract extension with the Dallas Mavericks, covering the 2023-24 to 2025-26 seasons. Despite his trade to the Lakers, this contract remains in effect, with Kleber earning $11 million annually.
How did Maxi Kleber become a Los Angeles Laker?
In a blockbuster trade in February 2025, the Dallas Mavericks sent Luka Dončić, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris to the Los Angeles Lakers. In exchange, the Mavericks received Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. This trade was one of the most significant in recent NBA history, reshaping the rosters of both franchises.
What are some of Maxi Kleber’s career highlights?
Kleber is renowned for his defensive versatility, often guarding multiple positions effectively. He has had several standout games, including a 10-point performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves on January 22, 2025. His ability to stretch the floor with three-point shooting and protect the rim makes him a valuable asset.
What is Maxi Kleber’s role with the Lakers?
Post-trade, Kleber serves as a rotational big man for the Lakers, providing depth in the frontcourt. His defensive skills and floor-spacing ability complement the team’s core, offering strategic flexibility in various matchups. As he regains full fitness, his role is expected to expand.
Where can I watch Maxi Kleber’s highlights?
Fans can view Kleber’s game highlights on platforms like YouTube. Notable compilations include his scoring performances with the Dallas Mavericks and his contributions to the Lakers. These videos showcase his defensive plays, three-point shooting, and overall impact on the court.
What is Maxi Kleber’s background before the NBA?
Before joining the NBA, Kleber played professionally in Europe, including stints with teams in Germany and Spain. His European experience honed his skills, particularly in defense and perimeter shooting, which translated well to the NBA style of play.
What are Maxi Kleber’s future prospects?
At 33, Kleber brings veteran experience to the Lakers. With one year remaining on his contract, his performance in the upcoming season will be pivotal. If he maintains his health and continues to contribute effectively, he could secure another contract, either with the Lakers or another NBA team seeking a seasoned, versatile forward.
To conclude
Maxi Kleber’s journey from Würzburg to the NBA epitomizes dedication and adaptability. His transition to the Los Angeles Lakers marks a new chapter, offering him an opportunity to contribute to a storied franchise. As he continues to recover from injury and integrate into the Lakers’ system, fans and analysts alike will be keen to observe his impact. Given his track record and skill set, Kleber is poised to remain a valuable player in the league, exemplifying the role of a modern, defensive-minded forward.
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