David Gonzales-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Lakers big man Maxi Kleber had an embarrassing play on Sunday against the New Orleans Pelicans, but it might’ve actually helped the team win the game.
In fact, star forward LeBron James told Kleber that the play “sparked” the Lakers. He also ended up sending the gaffe in the team’s group chat.
Los Angeles struggled in the third quarter on Sunday, getting outscored 35-31, but it could’ve been even worse. The Lakers led by 20 at halftime, only to see it trimmed to 11 (100-89) with 2:08 left in the third.
That’s around when Kleber’s play ended up sparking the Lakers. After star guard Luka Doncic was doubled on a play, L.A. started to move the ball around. Kleber caught a pass and drove to the basket and was fouled by Pelicans guard Trey Alexander.
“I went to the rim. I got fouled, and I thought I had a layup,” he said. “But … I guess I misjudged where the basket was.”
After the foul was whistled, Kleber had an open chance for an and-one, but his finger-roll went in reverse, resulting in an airball and sending the bench into hysterics.
“It was one, hilarious,” James said. “Two, unbelievable. And three, never seen no s— like that where a guy laid the ball up to the opposite rim, going toward the other rim.”
The Lakers then took control of the game, eventually going on to win 133-121 to move to 15-4 in the 2025-26 season. Los Angeles has now won seven games in a row heading into Monday’s meeting with the Phoenix Suns.
“By the time the Lakers reached the locker room, the play was in their text chain,” The Athletic’s Dan Woike wrote of Kleber’s blunder.
Star guard Austin Reaves revealed that it was James who sent the text in the team’s group chat.
“It was already in our group message,” Reaves said. “Bron sent it. With a bunch of laugh faces. (Maxi) walked by and told me two kids, ages 6 to 8, as he was walking off the court, were like ‘Nice finger roll.’”
While Kleber’s missed layup is certainly a shot he wishes he could have back, it did help ease the Lakers in what could have been a terrible collapse and loss.
Los Angeles is the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference ahead of Monday’s action and can keep that spot with a win.
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