Latest news with #MaxiKleber
USA Today
21-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Two Lakers frontcourt players are healthier than they were last season
The Los Angeles Lakers' roster looks significantly stronger than it did when they were knocked out of the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games. While they lost key 3-and-D forward Dorian Finney-Smith, they added forward Jake LaRavia and center Deandre Ayton, and they're set to bring in veteran guard Marcus Smart once he clears waivers. Some Lakers fans have been hoping the team can trade away big man Maxi Kleber and perhaps forward Jarred Vanderbilt in return for one or two more useful players. Doing so will be difficult, because while both players will only make roughly $11 million this coming season, they probably aren't seen as productive players around the league. But there could be a trickle of optimism that both will contribute in a positive way for Los Angeles. Per Marc Stein's "Stein Line," both Vanderbilt and Kleber are healthier now than they were at any time this past season. 'I'm also hearing Jarred Vanderbilt is healthier now than he was at any point last season, which will naturally spark hope that the versatile forward seems like an offseason addition himself when training camp opens in late September,' Stein wrote. 'Ditto for Maxi Kleber, who made only one appearance — for five minutes in Game 5 of the Lakers' first-round exit to Minnesota — after he was shipped to Lakerland with [Luka] Dončić on Feb. 2.' Vanderbilt has been hampered by injuries the last two seasons and appeared in a total of just 65 games during that time. He suffered a foot injury midway through the 2023-24 season that forced him to sit out for almost a full calendar year. While he's an effective and versatile defender and energy player, he's extremely limited on offense. Perhaps the fact that he's healthy this summer will allow him to work on his 3-point shot. For his career, he has made just 28.8% of his 3-point attempts, and opposing teams routinely leave him wide open in the corners. In the past, Kleber has been a decent outside shooter and defender, and at 6-foot-10, he can play the 4 and 5 positions. But he suffered a foot injury shortly before coming to L.A., and before that, he shot a putrid 38.5% overall and 26.5% from downtown this past season. In seven previous seasons, he made a solid 35.7% of his attempts from beyond the arc. If he returns to form, he could be a nice backup center for L.A. and perhaps even more ahead of Jaxson Hayes on its depth chart at that position.
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Sources: Lakers' next targets after Deandre Ayton contract agreement
The post Sources: Lakers' next targets after Deandre Ayton contract agreement appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Los Angeles Lakers and Deandre Ayton have agreed to a contract after the seven-year veteran was bought out Monday by the Portland Trail Blazers. According to sources close to the team, they're focus will now shift to wings and further center depth, whether that can be found on the free agency or trade markets. Ayton had been deciding between the Indiana Pacers, Lakers, and Golden State Warriors. Advertisement While Ayton was the most talented big on the market, sources say the Lakers are somewhat split internally on whether he should be considered their starting center. Ideally, they would like to land someone around his talent level with a different skill set – floor spacing, especially – but the key term used most often when describing their intentions at the position has been 'depth.' Sources say Ayton's deal will take up the remainder of the non-taxpayer midlevel exception this year with a player option for the second. The Lakers now have their bi-annual exception and veteran minimum contracts to hand out. De'Anthony Melton and Al Horford are among the names linked to the Lakers, but Melton is considered the likelier addition. Melton is obviously more of a guard, but he plays bigger than he's listed and would immediately become the best point of attack defender they've had in years. As trade assets go, the Lakers still have Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber's expiring contracts. They can still trade their own first-round pick in either 2031 or 2032. Dalton Knecht's name has come up in plenty of trade discussions this summer after he was sent out in that infamously rescinded Mark Williams deal last season. Rui Hachimura is a popular target of other teams who call the Lakers, as well. Austin Reaves, even after turning down a max extension to remain with the Lakers, is not considered likely to be moved. In terms of those conversations, as previously reported, the Lakers have been in touch with the Portland Trail Blazers about Robert Williams and the Miami Heat about Andrew Wiggins. Sources say those talks hit snags, and then the Lakers' focus was drawn to their pursuit of Ayton. They can pick up at any time, and Rob Pelinka speaks with Joe Cronin particularly often. Advertisement Another name league sources have linked to the Lakers: Cam Whitmore. If Houston decides to shed a little salary or if they expand the Kevin Durant trade to include their acquisition of Dorian Finney-Smith, Whitmore – who is looking for a larger role than he'd have on that loaded Rockets roster – is considered a candidate to be moved. Many in the Lakers' draft room liked Whitmore coming out of Villanova in 2023, but the Lakers wound up selecting Jalen Hood-Schifino after concerns over Whitmore's health history scared enough people in the organization. Ironically, Hood-Schifino hardly ever played for the Lakers because of his own health issues. At the center position, ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel reported the Lakers' interest in Yves Missi of the New Orleans Pelicans. According to sources close to the team, the Lakers were ready to select Missi in last year's draft but pivoted when Knecht fell to them. Still, he has plenty of fans in the organization, though, coming off a strong rookie season, he wouldn't be cheap. Nick Richards is another target for the Lakers, though it does seem more likely he'd be bought out or waived than have any team give up anything for him. As has become a trend with players on expiring contracts in this CBA, teams that believe it at all likely a player might reach the buyout market are opting to wait for that rather than sending anything in a trade. He's also a candidate to be included in an expansive sign-and-trade. Advertisement Does any of this mean the Lakers are definitely going to trade for all of these players? Obviously not. The point is to show what the Lakers are aiming to do and the types of players they're positioning themselves for. Point being: Pelinka is still very active after pulling off the Ayton acquisition and has more leverage in discussions as a result of the signing now that teams can't just assume they're desperate for anyone at the position. Related: Lakers rumors: Sam Amick reveals 'potentially problematic' LeBron James scenario Related: NBA rumors: LeBron James will 'never wear Clippers uniform'
Yahoo
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Top 5 Landing Spots For Dorian Finney-Smith, Who Is Likely Leaving Lakers
Top 5 Landing Spots For Dorian Finney-Smith, Who Is Likely Leaving Lakers originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The Lakers have multiple players on their roster who have to exercise their player option for a contract in the upcoming season. This also includes rejecting the option to accept a more financially friendly deal with the team or become free agents, and listening to offers from other teams. These players include LeBron James, Dorian Finney-Smith, Gabe Vincent, and Maxi Kleber. Advertisement It was reported during the NBA Draft that Dorian Finney-Smith is inclined towards rejecting the player option for a $15.3 million contract next season and becoming a free agent instead. If this report is true and he decides to become a free agent, he can anticipate contract offers roughly in the range of $15 million-$20 million per year for three years, which includes a player option in the final season. Finney-Smith shot 41.1% from three-point range this season and is a career 36.6% shooter from that range while averaging 4.3 attempts per game. The 3-D wing is a highly in-demand position among several rebuilding teams that also have the financial capability to offer a favorable contract to him. The following are the potential landing spots with the financial flexibility to sign Dorian Finney-Smith if he decides to decline the player option and test the waters of free agency. Atlanta Hawks The Hawks are making big moves in the offseason, which has included the acquisition of Kristaps Porzingis in a three-team trade. They took on his expiring contract and shed two expiring contracts (Georges Niang and Terrance Mann) in the process. They therefore have the roster spot for a 3-D wing, a perfect fit for Finney-Smith. Advertisement If they are serious about contending this season, the Hawks could use a player like Finney-Smith to play a role similar to what Bogdan Bogdanovic and Danillo Gallinari did for them in their 2021 Eastern Conference Finals run. Chicago Bulls The Bulls are rebuilding their roster around Coby White and Josh Giddey after trading their star player Zach LaVine last season. One of the main struggles for the Bulls was their defense, as they were rated 18th in the league in terms of team defensive ratings for 2024-25. Finney-Smith is a versatile defender; his defensive skills, in addition to his sharpshooting skills, make him a strong candidate for the Bulls to potentially consider. Another reason why the Bulls could consider bringing Finney-Smith onto the team is due to his personal connection with Bulls' head coach Billy Donovan. Donovan was the former head coach for the Florida Gators and he coached Finney-Smith in his time there. Therefore, a reunion may incline Finney-Smith towards joining the Bulls. Charlotte Hornets Just like the Bulls, one of the primary concerns for the Hornets has been their defense. LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges are both incredibly efficient on the offensive side, but equally a liability on the defensive end of the floor. As a bottom-five team in the league for defense in 2024-25, the Hornets could seriously use Finney-Smith's versatility on defense, especially having lost their center, Mark Williams, one of their best defenders, to the Suns. Utah Jazz The Jazz were a bottom-five team in the West in terms of three-point shooting during the 2024-25 season. Moreover, they drafted Ace Bailey, the surprisingly highly-rated forward from Rutgers who shot only 34.3% from deep last NCAA season. Therefore, they are in severe need of a sharpshooter like Finney-Smith. After getting traded to the Lakers last season, he shot 45.2% from deep in a career-best stretch. Washington Wizards The Wizards are the team with the worst team average of scoring from deep last season (33.5%) in the entire NBA. They were also the worst defensive team in the Eastern Conference, with a team defensive rating of 119.1 this season. Therefore, they are also in desperate need of a player like Finney-Smith to improve these areas on their team. Advertisement In conclusion, if Finney-Smith decides to decline his player option and the Lakers do not counter any offers from other teams, then teams that are in need to improve their three point shooting as well as their defense will likely look to swoop in for Finney-Smith and offer him a long-term contract with a player option in the final season. If he gets that, only then should he consider leaving the Lakers. Related: Lakers Sign Villanova Star To Two-Way Contract After NBA Draft This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 27, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Surprising Laker named as the player L.A. is most likely to trade
The Los Angeles Lakers have a couple of viable trade assets, but they don't have plenty of them. In order for them to address enough of their roster needs in the coming weeks, they will need at least one team to do them a favor. In guard Gabe Vincent and big man Maxi Kleber, the Lakers have two players who are going into the final season of their contracts. Vincent will make $11.5 million and Kleber will get paid $11 million next season. Advertisement However, it is debatable whether either player will have any value on the open market. While Vincent can effectively guard backcourt players, his offense comes and goes, and his offense is limited to 3-point shooting. Kleber, 33, has historically been a decent 3-point shooter who can play some defense and help out a bit on the boards. Dan Favale of Bleacher Report named him the player the Lakers are most likely to trade this summer. Via Bleacher Report: "This one comes down to the expiring contracts of Maxi Kleber ($11 million) or Gabe Vincent ($11.5 million). The latter is more appealing because he's younger and can guard at the point of attack, which is precisely why he won't be the first deal the Los Angeles Lakers look to include in any trade. "... Kleber wins out as a result. The Lakers need big men, and his fully healthy profile of a tall human who moves his feet on defense and provides some offensive dynamism holds plenty of appeal. But he's about to enter his age-34 season, is rarely healthy and is unlikely to shoulder a higher minutes workload even when he's available." Kleber was sent to Los Angeles in the Luka Doncic deal back on Feb. 1. He had recently suffered a foot injury at the time that required surgery, and he had been struggling mightily prior to that injury. He ended up averaging 3.0 points in 18.7 minutes a game while shooting 38.5% from the field and 26.5% from 3-point range. Advertisement For his career, he does have averages of 6.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in 22.3 minutes a game and an accuracy of 35.4% from 3-point range. Getting some value from his contract, as well as from Vincent's contract, will be integral to L.A.'s chances of fielding a championship-caliber roster next season. This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Surprising Laker named as the player L.A. is most likely to trade
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Trade proposal gives Lakers an ideal center at a relatively low price
In terms of personnel moves, the Los Angeles Lakers' first task this offseason is to obtain a starting-caliber center who is defensive-minded. Jaxson Hayes, their only true center on a standard contract, has played well at times, but he simply won't cut it as someone they can depend on to play a significant number of minutes. One player who could be a target for them is Nic Claxton, a relatively young and athletic center who plays for the Brooklyn Nets. The Nets are going nowhere, and therefore, perhaps they could be persuaded to part with him if the price is right. Advertisement Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints proposed a three-team trade also involving the Detroit Pistons that would send Claxton to Los Angeles. The only players L.A. would give up in this trade are forward Rui Hachimura and big man Maxi Kleber, and it would also give up a 2031 first-round draft pick and the right to swap picks in 2028. Via ClutchPoints: "Out of all the needs the Lakers have entering the offseason, finding a sustainable, long-term option at the center position is vital," Siegel wrote. "Nic Claxton was on Los Angeles' list of potential trade targets this season, and it is expected that they will once again inquire about the 26-year-old's availability with the Brooklyn Nets. "... Known for his rim-running abilities and success as a lob threat in pick-and-roll sets, Claxton would be the perfect center to pair with [Luka] Doncic moving forward. The Lakers need an athletic big who is a double-double threat and can protect the rim on defense. Claxton is the full package, and his offensive versatility could be unlocked by Doncic in a similar way to what he did with Dereck Lively II in Dallas." Kleber only played spot minutes in the Lakers' final game of the playoffs after he was thrown into the trade for Doncic due to a foot injury. He's going into the final year of a contract that will pay him $11 million next season. Meanwhile, while Hachimura is a very skilled player on offense, he often seems nearly invisible for long stretches on the Lakers, and he, too, is going into the last season of his contract. "Whether or not the Lakers could pull off a trade for Claxton is the big question since they don't have many draft picks at their disposal," Siegel continued. "Los Angeles will also enter the offseason with over $190 million on the books for the 2025-26 season. The easy piece to be moved is Maxi Kleber, who the Lakers got in the Doncic trade, and then [general manager Rob] Pelinka would need to make a decision on Rui Hachimura. "Although he has played well since coming to the Lakers during the 2022-23 season, Hachimura's expiring $18.2 million contract would be vital to pulling off a trade for Claxton." Advertisement Claxton just turned 26 years of age, so he could be a long-term solution for the Lakers, especially since he's under contract for three more seasons. He's a lob threat and a strong finisher at the rim, but he's also a legitimate shot-blocker and a good rebounder. Doncic has a history of thriving alongside big men who provide vertical spacing, such as Lively and Daniel Gafford. Claxton's numbers dipped this season, but he still had 10.3 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 26.9 minutes a game. Perhaps playing for a Lakers team that is close to being a legitimate championship contender would spark Claxton's competitive fuel and cause his production to increase a bit. This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Trade proposal gives Lakers an ideal center at a relatively low price
