Maximilian Kleber Bio
Maximilian Kleber (born 29 January 1992) is a German professional basketball player who currently serves as a power forward and center for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The 6-foot-10-inch Würzburg native has built a reputation as a versatile frontcourt player known for his shooting ability from beyond the arc and his defensive instincts. Kleber began his professional career in Germany in 2011 before spending time in Spain’s top league and eventually earning a spot in the NBA. After seven seasons with the Dallas Mavericks, he joined the Los Angeles Lakers in February 2025.
Early Life and Background
Maximilian Kleber was born in Würzburg, Germany, where he developed his basketball skills in the youth ranks of local clubs including TG Veitshöchheim, SC Heuchelhof, and TG Würzburg. Growing up in the basketball-cultured region of Franconia provided him with access to competitive youth leagues and development programs that laid the foundation for his future career. His progression through these local clubs showcased his developing talent and work ethic from an early age.
Kleber’s youth career demonstrated steady improvement, eventually leading him to pursue professional opportunities within Germany’s basketball system. His familiarity with the Würzburg area would later play a role in his professional trajectory, as he returned to his hometown team for the start of his professional journey.
Path to Professional Basketball
Before entering the professional ranks, Kleber declared for the NBA draft in 2012 but chose to remove his name from consideration, opting instead to continue his development in Europe. This decision allowed him to refine his skills against experienced professionals while gaining valuable game experience. He became automatically eligible for the NBA draft again in 2014, though he went undrafted that year despite his growing reputation in European basketball.
His performance in Germany’s Basketball Bundesliga had begun attracting attention from scouts, particularly his improved scoring and rebounding numbers during his second season with Würzburg. The experience gained during these formative professional years proved instrumental in preparing him for the challenges of higher-level competition.
Maximilian Kleber Career
Würzburg (2011–2014)
Maximilian Kleber made his professional debut with s.Oliver Baskets Würzburg in Germany’s top-flight Basketball Bundesliga during the 2011–12 season. In his rookie year, he served primarily as a role player, averaging approximately 7 minutes per game. His limited playing time did not diminish his commitment to improving his craft, and he approached each opportunity with dedication.
By his second season, Kleber had evolved into a more significant contributor for Würzburg. He averaged 9.9 points and 6.7 rebounds per game, demonstrating the kind of two-way play that would characterize his career. His progression caught the attention of international scouts and set the stage for his eventual move to Spain’s ACB league.
Obradoiro (2014–2015)
In the 2014 off-season, Kleber signed a two-year contract with Spanish club Obradoiro CAB, marking his entry into one of Europe’s most competitive domestic leagues. The move to Spain represented a significant step in his development, exposing him to different playing styles and higher levels of competition. His adaptation to the faster pace and physical nature of Spanish basketball proved successful.
During the 2014–15 ACB season, Kleber delivered a standout performance in round 25, earning MVP honors after scoring 36 points against Fuenlabrada. He appeared in 33 league games that season, averaging 11.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. These numbers established him as a reliable scoring option and showcased his ability to contribute consistently at a high level.
Bayern Munich (2015–2017)
On 1 July 2015, Kleber returned to Germany, signing a two-year deal with Bayern Munich. This period marked a significant phase in his career as he competed for one of Germany’s premier clubs while continuing to develop his game. His first season with Bayern saw him appear in 24 Bundesliga games, including 17 starts, where he averaged 8.0 points and 4.9 rebounds per game.
The 2016–17 season proved to be his most decorated period in European basketball. Kleber appeared in 37 games, all as starts, supplying averages of 9.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. His efforts earned him recognition across multiple accolades, including being named to the All-EuroCup Second Team and the All-German League Second Team. He was also selected as the German League Most Effective Player, highlighting his value as an impact player on both ends of the court.
Dallas Mavericks Breakthrough (2017–2025)
On 13 July 2017, Kleber signed with the Dallas Mavericks, officially beginning his NBA career at the age of 25. He made his NBA debut on 21 October 2017 against the Houston Rockets. Initially serving as an end-of-bench player, Kleber steadily worked his way into the rotation through consistent effort and adaptability to the NBA game.
His progression through his first three seasons demonstrated continuous improvement in all major statistical categories. On 21 February 2020, Kleber scored a career-high 26 points in a 122–106 victory over the Orlando Magic. That season, he posted career-best averages of 9.1 points per game while leading the league in games played with 74 appearances. He also finished 19th in the league in blocks per game, showcasing his defensive capabilities.
The 2019–20 playoffs marked Kleber’s first postseason experience, where he faced the Los Angeles Clippers as the second seed. He was frequently assigned the challenging task of defending Kawhi Leonard. Despite struggling with his shooting in the series, averaging 6.7 points per game and making just 5 of 26 three-point attempts, the experience proved invaluable for his long-term development.
Kleber began the 2020–21 season with strong early form, averaging 7.4 points per game while shooting 47.2 percent from three-point range in his first nine games. A ten-game absence due to COVID-19 protocols interrupted his momentum, but he returned to action in February against the Phoenix Suns. The Mavericks were eliminated by the Clippers in a hard-fought seven-game first-round series that postseason.
On 18 April 2022, during game two of the first-round playoff series against the Utah Jazz, Kleber delivered a memorable performance, scoring 25 points and hitting eight three-pointers in a 110–104 victory. Following that breakthrough playoff showing, he signed a four-year contract extension with the Mavericks in the 2022 off-season, securing his long-term future with the franchise.
On 17 March 2023, Kleber made a dramatic buzzer-beating three-pointer to secure a 111–110 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. His contributions helped Dallas advance to the 2024 NBA Finals, where the Mavericks ultimately fell to the Boston Celtics in five games. This Finals appearance represented the pinnacle of his Mavericks tenure and demonstrated his ability to perform on the sport’s biggest stage.
Los Angeles Lakers Era (2025–Present)
In February 2025, Kleber was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers as part of a major roster shuffle. His arrival in Los Angeles marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career as he joined a franchise with championship aspirations. The transition required him to adapt to new teammates, coaching staff, and offensive and defensive systems.
Kleber’s debut for the Lakers occurred on 30 April 2025 during the first round of the playoffs, where he contributed two points in a 103–96 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The playoff appearance showcased his ability to contribute in high-pressure situations despite the challenging circumstances of his debut.
Driving Style and Strengths
Kleber has carved out a niche as a modern power forward whose shooting range extends to the three-point line. Standing 6 feet 10 inches with a 240-pound frame, he possesses the size to bang inside while maintaining the perimeter skills increasingly valued in today’s NBA. His defensive instincts, particularly his ability to protect the rim and contest shots, have made him a versatile option for his teams.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Kleber has delivered several memorable performances that have highlighted his ability to rise to the occasion. His buzzer-beater against the Lakers in 2023 stands as one of his most dramatic moments, while his 25-point playoff explosion against Utah demonstrated his scoring capability when the stakes were highest. His journey from undrafted European player to NBA Finals participant represents a remarkable career trajectory.
Maximilian Kleber Career Wins
Kleber’s career has been marked by consistent achievement at both the European and NBA levels. His accomplishments span individual accolades in German and European basketball along with team success in the NBA playoffs.
European Career Highlights
Prior to joining the NBA, Kleber established himself as one of Germany’s top frontcourt prospects. His MVP performance in round 25 of the 2014–15 ACB season with Obradoiro, where he scored 36 points against Fuenlabrada, provided an early glimpse of his scoring prowess. With Bayern Munich, he earned All-EuroCup Second Team honors in 2017 while also being recognized as the German League Most Effective Player the same year. His Galician Cup championship in 2014 with Obradoiro represented his first significant trophy at the professional level.
NBA Achievements
Kleber’s most significant team accomplishment came with the Dallas Mavericks’ run to the 2024 NBA Finals. While individual statistics vary season to season, his consistency and durability were demonstrated by his 74-game appearance during the 2019–20 season, which led the entire league. His playoff performances, including the 2022 first-round series against Utah where he scored 25 points in game two, have highlighted his ability to elevate his play when it matters most.
Maximilian Kleber Family
Family Background and Early Influences
Public information regarding Maximilian Kleber’s family background remains limited. His roots in Würzburg, where he played youth basketball for local clubs, suggest a connection to the basketball community in that region, though specific details about family members who influenced his career are not extensively documented in available sources.
Personal Life
Kleber has maintained a relatively private personal life throughout his professional career. As a German citizen who spent several years competing internationally before joining the NBA, he brings a unique perspective to the league. His ability to successfully transition from European basketball to the NBA demonstrates both his adaptability and professional maturity.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a significant transition for Kleber following his trade to the Los Angeles Lakers in February. Joining a new organization required adjustments to different team dynamics, offensive schemes, and defensive responsibilities. His playoff debut with the Lakers during the first round against Minnesota represented the culmination of his transition to his new team, though the series resulted in elimination. Despite the challenging circumstances, Kleber’s ability to appear in playoff games for a new team demonstrated his value as a rotation player capable of contributing in high-pressure situations.