REPORT: Training camp turns tense as a Lakers giant suffers a setback that feels heavier than the injury itself

Lakers Big Man Suffers Injury at Training Camp…

JJ Redick

The Los Angeles Lakers held the first day of training camp on Tuesday, and there’s already a casualty due to injury. Lakers big man Maxi Kleber suffered a hamstring injury and was unable to practice on Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters after the second day of training camp, Lakers head coach JJ Redick gave an update on the team’s injury list. There are no new updates on players such as LeBron James and Marcus Smart, but Kleber was added to the list after just one day of practice. The player is set to undergo an MRI, and Redick is hoping for the best.

“The only new thing is Maxi kinda tweaked his quad yesterday during conditioning. As a precautionary, he sat out today. He’ll get an MRI later this afternoon. Hopefully, it’s nothing serious,” Redick said.

Kleber came to the Lakers from the Dallas Mavericks as part of the Luka Doncic trade in February.

He was recovering from a foot injury when he arrived and was only able to play one game last season.

It was Game 5 of the first-round series between the Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves.

Maxi Kleber Feeling Fully Recovered This Offseason

During the Los Angeles Lakers‘ media day on Monday, Maxi Kleber was asked about his overall health and recovery from the foot injury. Kleber was feeling great and emphasized that he was ready to play his first regular season game for the purple and gold.

“I feel fully recovered, fully healthy. I emphasize, obviously, finishing the rehab and doing everything to feel good about that. And then from that point on build on physical strength, conditioning and all that. So, I’m ready to go,” Kleber said.

At the age of 33, Kleber is entering the final year of his current contract. He has been dealing with injuries over the past three seasons. He was limited to just 34 games last season, averaging 3.0 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists. His career averages are 6.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game, but he’s a 35.4% shooter from beyond the arc.

Lakers Dealing with Injuries Already

The Los Angeles Lakers have high hopes for the upcoming season, especially after getting back LeBron James, signing Luka Doncic to an extension and bringing in new players like Marcus Smart, Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia.

However, the Lakers are already dealing with several injuries following Maxi Kleber’s quad issue. Rookie Adou Thiero has not been cleared to participate at training camp due to a knee injury he suffered before the Summer League.

Smart is dealing with Achilles tendiopathy but is expected to get cleared next week, as per Brian Robb of MassLive.com.

Gabe Vincent‘s injury is unspecified, though coach JJ Redick expects him to play in Friday’s preseason game against the Phoenix Suns.

The most pressing injury concern for the Lakers is LeBron James, who has “nerve irritation in the glute.” James is entering his 23rd season, and at the age of 40 with a lot of wear and tear, the franchise is going to be very cautious about his activities.

He’s also on the last year of his contract after exercising his player option this past summer.

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