The Los Angeles Lakers have been hoping MaxiClever stays healthy this season.
Maxi Clever played in only one game for the Los Angeles Lakers after being traded by the Dallas Mavericks on Luka Donsic’s contract.
His Lakers debut was Game 5 of the first round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, which turned out to be the final game of the Lakers’ 2024-25 season.
Clever looked good this summer as training clips surfaced online during the offseason, but now it appears that Clever was injured before the 2025-26 campaign.
Kleber suffered a quad injury during practice, coach JJ Redick announced.
The 33-year-old gets an MRI, but Redick says his hope is that it isn’t serious.
Unfortunately for Clever, the injury came shortly after he revealed he was in perfect health on Lakers Media Day.
“I feel fully recovered and fully healthy. I clearly have finished my rehab and emphasized that I will do everything to make you feel better about it.
“And from that point on, we’re building on everything from strength to conditioning, and we’re ready.”
On the Lakers’ new look roster, Clever is expected to offer a versatile frontcourt play.
He can give the Lakers great stretch shooting and defensive versatility while bringing a playoff experience.
He can also be used as a small ball center for the Lakers rotation. His worth lies in his ability to hit three-point shots and defend at the boundary line.
He offers a unique skill set that the Lakers lack, but given his recent history of injury, there is a reason for concern that Clever’s health will enter a new season.