Lakers Role Player Goes Down in Training Camp, Requires MRI

The Los Angeles Lakers are ready for a great season. Luka Dončić is coming into training camp in the best shape of his life, and the Lakers front office has surrounded him and LeBron James with a few new weapons to help them compete in a daunting Western Conference. 

While many of those weapons were signed in free agency this summer, one has technically already worn a Lakers jersey. Maxi Kleber joined the Lakers last season as part of the Luka Dončić trade, but he only appeared in one playoff game because he was recovering from foot surgery when he joined the team. 

Kleber has unfortunately had a handful of injury issues throughout his career, and a recent Lakers injury update revealed he may already be dealing with injury concerns this season.

ESPN Lakers insider Dave McMenamin reported on the Lakers' injuries heading into camp. 

Gabe Vincent (knee) practiced on Wednesday, but a new name was added to the injury report for the Lakers. Maxi Kleber tweaked his quad on Tuesday, sat out practice on Wednesday, and will require an MRI, according to coach JJ Redick. "Hopefully, it's nothing serious," Redick said.

Requiring an MRI is never a good thing. That being said, the fact that JJ Redick doesn’t seem too concerned is a positive spin on this preseason injury.

Requiring an MRI is never a good thing. That being said, the fact that JJ Redick doesn’t seem too concerned is a positive spin on this preseason injury.

If Kleber does end up dealing with quad injuries throughout the season, then it isn’t the end of the world for the Lakers. He was probably only projected to play a minor role for them, and his defensive deficiencies almost assured that he wouldn’t be playing important minutes for them in close games or the playoffs.