RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesDec 5, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; The Los Angeles Lakers logo is seen during the first half aof the game between the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers TD Garden. © Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
The Los Angeles Lakers’ busy offseason may not be done making headlines. After parting ways with veteran big man Maxi Kleber earlier this month, the 34-year-old unrestricted free agent is now being linked with a return to international basketball.
A new report suggests an overseas club is showing serious interest, potentially bringing an end to Kleber’s nine-year NBA career following the Lakers’ dramatic roster overhaul.
Hapoel Tel Aviv Reportedly Targeting Former Lakers Big Man Maxi Kleber
The latest update came from Moses, Head of Basketball at one.co.il, who shared on X that Israeli powerhouse Hapoel Tel Aviv is pursuing Kleber.
“Hapoel Tel Aviv are looking to bolster their front court as they are targeting FA Maxi Kleber.”
The report adds to growing speculation that Kleber could continue his career overseas after becoming an unrestricted free agent.
The Lakers officially renounced Kleber’s free-agent rights on July 8, ending his brief stint with the franchise. While he was never a regular part of the rotation, the veteran was known for staying ready whenever his number was called.
On several occasions throughout the season, he provided valuable minutes with his energy, floor spacing, rebounding, and defensive versatility.
However, several factors worked against him.
Injuries continued to limit his availability, while his offensive production declined. Most notably, his outside shooting took a significant step back.
Kleber shot just 23.1% from three-point range during the 2025-26 season, well below his 35.2% career average. For a player whose value largely came from stretching the floor as a big man, that decline was difficult to overlook.
Financially, the Lakers also had a decision to make. Kleber’s $11 million salary no longer matched his on-court production, especially as the front office looked to create salary-cap flexibility for a younger roster.
That roster has changed dramatically since LeBron James’ departure.
The Lakers have shifted their focus toward building around Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves while adding younger players.
The front office strengthened the roster by acquiring Walker Kessler and Matisse Thybulle, while also bringing in rotational contributors such as Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Kevon Looney.
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With those additions, Kleber no longer fit into the team’s long-term plans.
If he does leave the NBA, it would mark a return to familiar territory.
Born in Würzburg, Germany, Kleber began his professional career in Europe before ever reaching the NBA. He played in Germany and Spain, including stints with Obradoiro and Bayern Munich, before joining the Dallas Mavericks in 2017.
He spent most of his NBA career in Dallas, earning a reputation as a modern stretch big who could guard multiple positions, set solid screens, and make smart plays on both ends of the floor.
He eventually joined the Lakers as part of the Luka Dončić trade in 2025, but injuries and inconsistent production prevented him from carving out a significant role.
Now 34, Kleber appears to have another opportunity on the table. While nothing has been finalized, Hapoel Tel Aviv’s reported interest could offer the veteran a chance to revive his career internationally.
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