The Los Angeles Lakers could make another move before the end of the 2025 NBA trade deadline after already stealing all the headlines in the last week. The shockwaves from their blockbuster acquisition of Luka Doncic on Saturday were just settling down before they made another major trade for center Mark Williams to build out a competitive starting five.
The Lakers are still looking for marginal upgrades, as revealed by Jovan Buha after their acquisition of Williams. They don’t have many avenues behind getting another upgrade, with the disposable players on the roster mostly all on minimum contracts. The exception to this is the recent acquisition of Maxi Kleber, who came over in the Doncic trade.
Kleber is making $11 million this season, money that the Lakers could use on an actual rotational contributor. Kleber is a well-respected veteran who can still function as backup four or five, but a foot injury has ruled him out for the next two months. As a result, the Lakers could use Kleber and their sole remaining second-round pick to land a potential upgrade.
Chris Boucher
The Toronto Raptors have already made a major move ahead of the trade deadline. They acquired New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram last night, with many viewing it as an acquisition for next season as Toronto has committed to tanking this season. With the team having winning intentions in mind for after next season, getting a big like Kleber right now could be useful.
They can move Chris Boucher, an expiring contract who matches Kleber’s salary to land an additional second-round pick. Boucher is averaging 10.5 points and 4.3 rebounds this season but is expected to be moved either now or in the summer.
The Raptors could get Kleber as a useful bench option for next season right now, given his contract expires at the end of 2025-26. He would be a tremendous small-ball five behind Jakob Poeltl or could even play alongside him. If the Raptors aren’t interested, they could flip Kleber for future assets next season.
Terance Mann
If the Lakers are aggressively looking for upgrades on the margin, they shouldn’t look much further than Los Angeles Clippers‘ guard Terance Mann. Mann has lost his role in the Clippers’ rotation this season, averaging just 6.0 points in 19.8 minutes per game.
The two-way guard who can play multiple positions is on a long-term contract that extends till 2028, which could be a sore spot for the Clippers going forward.
The Clippers are incentivized to make this swap for Kleber, as Maxi’s contract runs out before Mann’s. They could even have use for Maxey in the Playoffs as another backup big option outside the recently acquired Drew Eubanks. His ability to switch and stretch the floor would make him a great fit behind Ivica Zubac.
Meanwhile, Mann would boost the Lakers’ poor guard depth by being a defensive option behind Doncic and Reaves. He’ll have to settle his years-old feud with Doncic, but the pair likely can do that easily if their winning goals are aligned on the Lakers.
Matisse Thybulle
Matisse Thybulle went from an All-Defensive selection to barely getting rotational minutes on a rebuilding Portland Trail Blazers team within a span of a few seasons. Thybulle hasn’t been able to highlight his incredible defensive skill set on a winning team since the 76ers traded him in 2022, awaiting an opportunity from a real contender who’ll value his skills.
He hasn’t played this season. Thybulle has a lot of value as a defensive wing but no team has been trying to trade for him for a few seasons now due to his poor offensive output. The Lakers already have offensive output coming out of the wazoo with Doncic, Reaves, and LeBron, so a defense-focused addition like Thybulle would be welcome.
The Blazers won’t have much practical use for Kleber outside of burying him as a veteran on their bench. They could try and get assets for him next summer, but it likely ensures Kleber doesn’t play another minute this season.
Larry Nance Jr
An opportunity for the Lakers to bring a former player back to the franchise, they could make a swing for Larry Nance Jr, who is averaging 9.5 points and 4.5 rebounds on the Atlanta Hawks, playing just 19.1 minutes per game this season.
The team has a crowded situation for their forwards and bigs, a place where the 32-year-old Nance is struggling to carve out his own niche.
Nance Jr. can play as a four or a five. He’s a commendable defender who can switch onto the perimeter while he’s not afraid to take open shots, although he isn’t the best at converting them. He’d be a great cheap frontcourt upgrade, giving Doncic another lob threat to target while reinforcing the Lakers defensively.
The Hawks don’t have a pick in the 2025 Draft, so at least getting a solid second-round pick could be a silver lining for the franchise who are expected to stay in the lottery after injuries on the squad. Kleber could be useful for them next season or be traded away in the summer.
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