On Tuesday night, the Los Angeles Lakers will play the Minnesota Timberwolves (at home).
The Lakers most recently beat the New York Knicks by a score of 110-97.
Maxi Kleber played ten minutes, finishing with one steal.
Los Angeles Lakers Make Sudden Change To Injury Report
GettyLOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 5, 2026: Los Angeles Lakers forward Maxi Kleber (14) stays back on defense during a free throw against the Philadelphia 76ers at Crypto.com Arena on February 5, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
UPDATE: Jaxson Hayes is also a late scratch to the team’s injury report (joining Maxi Kleber and LeBron James).
Right before Tuesday’s game, the Lakers have made the announcement that Kleber has been ruled out due to a back issue.
Trevor Lane of Lakers Nation wrote: “Maxi Kleber (lumbar back strain) has been downgraded to OUT for tonight’s game versus Minnesota.”
GettyWASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 30: Maxi Kleber #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates after scoring against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on January 30, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Kleber is in the middle of his first season playing for the Lakers.
He is averaging 2.2 points and 1.9 rebounds per contest while shooting 46.7% from the field and 27.3% from three-point range in 35 games.
GettyEL SEGUNDO, CA – APRIL 02: Maxi Kleber works out during a Lakers practice at UCLA Health Training Center on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 in El Segundo, CA.(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Kleber Before Lakers Stint
GettyLOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 17: Kyrie Irving #2 of the Dallas Mavericks celebrates with Maxi Kleber #42 after he scored the game winning three-point basket against Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers at the end of the game at Crypto.com Arena on March 17, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Mavericks defeated the Lakers, 111-110. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Kleber spent the first eight seasons of his career playing for the Dallas Mavericks.
He was with the team when they reached the 2022 Western Conference finals (and 2024 NBA finals).
His averages (in that span) were 6.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists per contest while shooting 44.3% from the field and 35.4% from three-point range in 440 games (151 starts).
Getty(L-R) Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka, US basketball player Markieff Morris, Slovenian basketball player Luka Doncic, German basketball player Maxi Kleber, and Lakers head coach JJ Redick stand for a photo during a press conference introducing the Doncic, Kleber and Morris as the newest members of the Los Angeles Lakers, at the UCLA Health Training Center, in El Segundo, California on February 4, 2025. Slovenian star Luka Doncic said February 2, 2025 he thought he’d spend his entire NBA career in Dallas, thanking fans in Texas for making it feel like home a day after the Mavericks abruptly traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images)
While Kleber has had a limited role so far, he could be an intriguing piece off their bench during the 2026 NBA playoffs.
At times, the 34-year-old has been a reliable three-point shooter.
Lakers Ahead Of T-Wolves
GettyLOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 10, 2026: Los Angeles Lakers forward Maxi Kleber (14) battles San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) for a rebound at Crypto.com Arena on February 10, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
The Lakers are the fifth seed with a 39-25 record.
They are in the middle of a two-game winning streak (and winners of six out of their last ten).
UPDATE: Los Angeles Lakers Make Sudden Change To Injury Report Before Timberwolves Game