Los Angeles Lakers power forward Maxi Kleber had one of those moments every basketball player hopes never happens on national television. Late in the third quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans, he went up for a quick layup, released it, and watched the ball drift harmlessly into empty space. Not the rim. Not the backboard. Just air.
The miss happened so fast that even teammates needed a second to process it, but the Los Angeles Lakers bench, especially LeBron James, reacted instantly. The entire row lit up with faces that said everything. It turned into a lighthearted highlight that spread almost as fast as the clip itself.
The Lakers already controlled the game thanks to a steady rhythm theyâve built during this strong stretch, which helped keep the atmosphere loose. The moment captured the teamâs personality, and the reaction kept everyone laughing as play continued.
Kleber reset quickly on the next possession, and the game rolled right along.
What Comes Next For Kleber, James, And The Lakers
Getty German basketball player Maxi Kleber speaks during a press conference to introduce new members of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Kleber has spent the first part of his time in Los Angeles settling into whatever role the coaching staff needs from him on a given night. Heâs still adjusting to the pace the Lakers like to play with, and these games help him get a better feel for everyoneâs tendencies.
Some nights heâs surrounded by different lineups than the night before, especially when the rotations shift around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. That has given him plenty to take in as he finds his footing.
James sat this one out, but the team expects him to return for the next stretch of games. Theyâve been careful with the foot issue heâs been managing, and nothing about that plan has changed. Even from the sideline he stayed involved, watching matchups, pointing things out, and checking in with teammates as the game unfolded. The Lakers have been easing him back into a steady rhythm after a disrupted start to the year.
Their next game is against the Phoenix Suns, and the expectation inside the building is that James will be available. The Lakers have opened the season strong, and that early cushion has allowed the staff to tinker with lineups without worrying about losing their identity. Whether James plays or not, the group has kept its spacing and game flow consistent, which has helped the new pieces settle in.
Kleber will continue getting time in different situations as the team figures out which combinations work best. Some matchups call for more minutes, some for fewer, and heâs been adapting on the fly. The airballed layup didnât change anything about his role or the staffâs plans for him.
It was simply an odd moment that got a big reaction and then faded as quickly as it appeared. The Lakers kept moving forward, focused on the bigger picture and the steady rhythm theyâve built to start the season.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post LeBron James, Lakers Bench React to Teammate Maxi Kleber’s Airball Layup appeared first on Heavy Sports.