The Los Angeles Lakers may make another move before the trade deadline if they use Maxi Kleber’s contract to target specific players.
After dominating the news in the previous week, the Los Angeles Lakers could make another deal before the 2025 NBA trade deadline. The shockwaves from their blockbuster purchase of Luka Doncic on Saturday had barely subsided when they made another huge move for center Mark Williams to round out a competitive starting lineup.
According to Jovan Buha, the Lakers are still seeking for minor upgrades following the purchase of Williams. They don’t have many options for getting another boost, as the replaceable players on the roster are primarily on minimum contracts. The exception is the recent addition of Maxi Kleber, who arrived in the Doncic deal.
Kleber is receiving $11 million this season, which the Lakers could spend on a true rotational player. Kleber is a well-respected veteran who can still serve as backup four or five, but a foot ailment has sidelined him for an additional two months. As a result, the Lakers might use Kleber and their final second-round pick to acquire a potential upgrade.
Chris Boucher
The Toronto Raptors have already made a significant move ahead of the trade deadline. They signed New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram last night, with many seeing it as a move for next season, as Toronto is committed to tanking this season. With the team’s winning intentions for the following season, getting a big like Kleber
To acquire an additional second-round pick, they can trade Chris Boucher, who has an expiring deal and earns the same as Kleber. Boucher is averaging 10.5 points and 4.3 rebounds this season, but he is anticipated to be traded either now or in the offseason.
Kleber’s contract ends at the conclusion of 2025-26, thus the Raptors might sign him now as a helpful bench option for next season. He would be an excellent small-ball five behind Jakob Poeltl, or even alongside him. If the Raptors are not interested, they might trade Kleber for future assets next season.
Terence Mann
If the Lakers are actively seeking margin improvements, they should not go much further than Los Angeles Clippers guard Terance Mann. Mann has lost his spot in the Clippers’ rotation this season, posting only 6.0 points in 19.8 minutes per game.
The two-way guard, who can play several positions, is signed to a long-term contract that runs until 2028, which might be a source of contention for the Clippers in the future.
Maxi’s contract expires before Mann’s, therefore the Clippers have an incentive to make this trade for Kleber. Maxey might even serve as a backup big option in the playoffs, in addition to the recently acquired Drew Eubank. His ability to switch and stretch the floor would make him an ideal fit Ivica Zubac’s back.
Mann, meanwhile, would provide defensive depth behind Doncic and Reaves, improving the Lakers’ lackluster guard depth. He will need to resolve his long-standing conflict with Doncic, but if their winning objectives coincide on the Lakers, the two should have little trouble doing so.
Thybulle Matisse
Over the course of a few seasons, Matisse Thybulle went from being selected to the All-Defensive team to hardly receiving rotational minutes on a Portland Trail Blazers team that was rebuilding. Since the 76ers moved him in 2022, Thybulle hasn’t been able to showcase his amazing defensive skill set on a winning club. He is still looking for a chance from a legitimate contender who will appreciate his abilities.
This season, he hasn’t played. Although Thybulle is a very valuable defensive wing, his lackluster attacking performance has prevented any team from attempting to trade for him for a few seasons. With Doncic, Reaves, and LeBron already producing offensively, the Lakers would benefit from a defense-oriented signing like Thybulle.
Other than using Kleber as a veteran on their bench, the Blazers won’t be able to do much with him. Although it probably guarantees Kleber won’t play another minute this season, they might try to acquire assets for him next summer.
Larry Nance Jr.
Larry Nance Jr who is averaging 9.5 points and 4.5 rebounds for the Atlanta Hawks while playing only 19.1 minutes per game this season, could be a good fit for the Lakers as a former player.
The team’s forwards and bigs are crowded, and the 32-year-old Nance is fighting to carve out his own role.
Nance Jr. can play as either a four or a five. He’s a decent defender who can switch to the perimeter and isn’t afraid to take open shots, though he’s not particularly good at converting them. He’d be an excellent cheap frontcourt addition, providing Doncic another lob threat to target while strengthening the Lakers’ defense.
The Hawks do not have a pick in the 2025 Draft, but securing a quality second-round pick might be a bright spot for the organization, which is anticipated to remain in the lottery due to roster ailments. Kleber might be beneficial to them next season or traded away in the offseason.
Jan 27, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA: Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (5) dunks against Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory credit: Jim Dedmon/Imagn Images. Grading The Mark W
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