Maxi Kleber is the perfect example of what you can achieve when you work hard and never give up. Seven years with the Dallas Mavericks—almost an entire career in NBA terms—saw the Würzburg native transform from an undrafted player into a key part of the rotation. But with a single trade, everything was turned upside down.
Not only was Kleber himself involved, but Luka Dončić was also traded—a twist that no one had expected. Maxi learned about the trade just after undergoing foot surgery. On January 25, 2025, during a Dallas Mavericks loss to the Boston Celtics, Kleber suffered a fracture in his right foot.
In my conversation with Maxi, we talked about this crazy moment, the new challenges he faces with the Los Angeles Lakers, his health status, and his former team, the Mavericks.
The trade came completely out of nowhere—for fans, analysts, and even for Maxi himself.
“It was definitely very surprising. I felt the same way as everyone else. That day, I went to bed early because I hadn’t been able to sleep properly. So I was already asleep when everything was announced. Then I woke up about an hour later.”
Imagine going to bed, unaware that your entire life is about to be turned upside down—only to wake up and see messages about one of the biggest trades in NBA history.
“I picked up my phone, checked the time, and suddenly saw tons of messages and missed calls. My first thought was: Wow, it’s 12:30 AM, in the middle of the night—that’s weird.”
Then came the moment of realization.
“I opened the first message, and I saw it: Luka Dončić traded! Is this real? Then, of course, I checked online to see exactly what had happened. Oh wow, Luka got traded, and I’m part of the deal.”
Luka Dončić—a player who was the face of the franchise and considered untouchable.
“That was definitely a crazy moment. I thought: Wow, I did not expect that. Then everything started running through my mind. What happens next? Especially regarding my rehab. It was also the first time I had ever been traded.”
Maxi joined Dallas in 2017, a team that has always been closely associated with Dirk Nowitzki. As a German player, he was often compared to Dirk, even though he never tried to follow directly in his footsteps.
“I don’t think anyone really tried to compare me to him. There’s no one who can achieve what he did. So it was never really a big topic. But being able to say that I come from the same city—that was always a huge honor for me.”
That chapter is now closed. He is a Los Angeles Laker—one of the biggest franchises in the world.
“Now I’m with the Lakers. That’s a different level, one of the biggest teams out there. It’s a whole new experience. It’s definitely exciting to be part of this.”
With this new opportunity also comes a new coaching regime. JJ Redick, someone Maxi once played alongside, is now his head coach.
“Yeah, it’s crazy. First of all, I was super happy for him when he got the head coaching job. I don’t even remember exactly when we talked about it—it was a while ago. But I shook his hand and congratulated him. As a player, I always noticed how basketball-smart he was. He knew exactly how to play and position himself.”
Redick was known for his elite shooting, but also for his basketball IQ and analytical mindset.
“Luka always jokes that JJ couldn’t really move anymore towards the end of his career. But his basketball IQ was still there. And then with his podcast, he showed his knowledge even more. Now I get to experience all of this firsthand, which is a huge honor for me.”
But the biggest question remains: When will Maxi Kleber be able to play again?
“That’s my goal—to come back as soon as possible. I’m glad that everything is settled now, and I can finally focus on rehab.”
He’s not just another role player—he is exactly the type of player the Lakers need right now. Despite the trade chaos, he feels well taken care of in Los Angeles.
“I have everything I need here. I feel totally looked after.”
Of course, the trade also means saying goodbye—and after seven years, that isn’t easy.
“The way I was welcomed in Dallas, the support I received, my teammates, the fans, the organization—those memories will always stay with me. It was something really special.
I spent almost eight seasons in Dallas, and considering how NBA careers usually go, I can definitely say it was a huge honor to have been there.”
But despite the sadness, gratitude outweighs everything else.
“Of course, getting traded is tough. But on the other hand, I prefer to look back and say: Hey, I had a great time there, and now I can look forward to a new opportunity.”
For Maxi Kleber, a new chapter is beginning—one that few could have predicted. From an undrafted rookie in Dallas to potentially becoming a key piece for the Lakers in one of the NBA’s biggest markets.
And while he continues to recover from his injury, anticipation grows for the moment he can finally step back on the court.
Because if Maxi Kleber has shown one thing, it’s that he always finds a way to adapt and earn his place—no matter where he plays.
