Maki Kleber speaks frankly about the joy of Luka Dončić from LA

As it is The Los Angeles Lakers (7-2) are about to begin their five-game road trip with a match against the Atlanta Hawks (4-5) on Saturday, the veteran forward Maki glue reflected on Luka DončićRenewed happiness since joining the team last season.

Speaking with Khobie Price of the Southern California News Group during a media availability, Kleber shared his thoughts about Doncic’s transition from Dallas to Los Angeles after blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick. Mavericks.

“I think it was obviously a tough situation — a very unexpected way the trade went down and everything with it,” Kleber said in a video that Price shared on X, formerly known as Twitter. “But it’s a lot more fun to see him smile and have fun on the field. Obviously, everyone else on the team supports that and they just want to see him happy because it helps us, too.”

Maxi Kleber, who was teammates with Luka Doncic in Dallas, says it has meant “a lot” to him to see Luka more outwardly joyful with the Lakers and his teammates over the past few months.

Luka shouted: “Oh yes Maxi! Yes Maxi!” earlier during Maki’s availability: pic.twitter.com/hKAVvP1UtB

— Khobi Price (@khobi_price) November 8, 2025

Price added in his post that Kleber, who played with Doncic in Dallas for five seasons, said that it meant “a lot” to him that his former teammate was happier and louder with the Lakers. While Kleber was available, Doncic could be heard enthusiastically cheering him on, shouting “Oh yes Maxi! Yes Maxi!” in the background — a moment that captured the camaraderie between the two.

Luka Doncic’s dominance fuels the Lakers’ hot start as Maxi Kleber remains sidelined with an injury

Doncic, 26, has quickly reasserted himself as one of the league’s top stars in his first full season with the Lakers. In five appearances this year, he is averaging 40 points, 11 rebounds, 9.2 assists and two steals per game while shooting 50 percent from the field and 30.5 percent from three-point range in 39 minutes per game.

His playmaking and leadership have been crucial in leading Los Angeles to a 7-2 start, the franchise’s best start since the 2019-20 championship season. In the last victory of the team — a San Antonio Spurs win 118-116 on Wednesday — Doncic turned in another outstanding performance with 35 points, 13 assists, nine rebounds, five steals and two blocks.

As for Kleber, the 33-year-old forward has yet to make his regular season debut because of the oblique. The team announced earlier this week that he will be re-evaluated in two weeks as head coach JJ Reddick continues to manage the frontcourt depth and rotation.

Despite the setback, Kleber’s presence in the locker room and familiarity with Doncic’s tendencies added a valuable layer of chemistry to a Lakers roster that quickly gelled. The two share a deep bond on the court forged during their years together in Dallas, something Kleber says continues to translate in Los Angeles.

The Lakers and Hawks will square off Saturday night at 8:00 PM ET on NBA TV as Los Angeles looks to extend its winning streak to six games before continuing through Charlotte, Oklahoma City, New Orleans and Milwaukee.