Maxi Kleber’s Quiet Impact Helps Lift Lakers Past 76ers in Comeback Win

LOS ANGELES — By the time the final horn sounded Thursday night, the Los Angeles Lakers had secured their second straight win, rallying past the visiting Philadelphia 76ers in a game that required contributions far beyond the box score. Austin Reaves’ 33 points grabbed the headlines, especially given his minutes restriction, but inside the locker room, the praise flowed just as strongly for a role player.

Maxi Kleber, thrust into extended action off the bench, delivered the kind of steady, detail-oriented performance that coaches and teammates often value most. His stat line — modest at first glance — told only part of the story, but his presence helped swing momentum late.

The Lakers needed that lift. Facing a physical Philadelphia team anchored by Joel Embiid, Los Angeles relied on timely defense, extra possessions and disciplined execution to erase a deficit and close strong in the fourth quarter.

Afterward, veteran guard Marcus Smart made sure Kleber’s effort didn’t go unnoticed, calling attention to the forward’s work ethic and professionalism as central to the win.

1. Reaves Leads Rally, Role Players Follow

For much of the night, Reaves carried the offensive load. Despite being limited in minutes, the guard poured in 33 points and found timely buckets that kept the Lakers within reach before their late surge. His shot-making ignited the fourth quarter, where Los Angeles finally seized control. Each possession felt critical, and Reaves delivered repeatedly, attacking the paint and knocking down perimeter looks when the Lakers needed them most. But the comeback wasn’t built on scoring alone. The Lakers tightened defensively, contested shots and turned loose balls into second chances — the kind of gritty plays that rarely make highlight reels. That’s where Kleber’s influence began to show. With reserve center Jaxson Hayes suspended, the veteran forward stepped into backup minutes and provided stability on both ends.

2. Kleber’s Hidden Contributions

Kleber finished with four points, four rebounds, four assists and three steals in 26 minutes, along with a team-best plus-23 rating. It wasn’t eye-popping production, but it was effective. All four of his rebounds came on the offensive glass, extending possessions and creating extra opportunities for a team trying to claw back into the game. Those second chances often stalled Philadelphia’s momentum. Defensively, he took on difficult assignments, including stretches guarding Embiid and switching onto quicker players. His versatility allowed the Lakers to adjust coverages without sacrificing structure. Smart called him “the ultimate professional,” noting that Kleber brings the same energy whether he plays two minutes or 20. Teammates, he said, celebrate him because they trust exactly what they’ll get every night — effort, focus and reliability.

3. Trust Earned Through Consistency

Head coach JJ Redick echoed that sentiment, pointing to several subtle plays that never showed up in the box score. From well-timed screens that freed Reaves and LeBron James to smart defensive positioning against Tyrese Maxey, Kleber influenced the game in ways that required careful observation to appreciate. Redick ultimately trusted him enough to close the game, a nod to the confidence the coaching staff has in Kleber’s decision-making and defense. His 26 minutes marked a season high. Since arriving in Los Angeles as part of the Luka Doncic trade, Kleber’s year has been uneven, interrupted by injuries and fluctuating playing time. Even so, Redick said his demeanor never changes — whether he’s starting or receiving a DNP. Through 25 games this season, Kleber has averaged limited minutes and modest numbers, but the Lakers view his value differently. On a night when the stars shined and the comeback unfolded, it was Kleber’s steady, selfless impact that teammates said helped make the difference.