LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers Credit Maxi Kleber’s Airballed Layup For Helping Them Beat New Orleans Pelicans: ‘It Was Hilarious’
The Los Angeles Lakers beat the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday despite playing without NBA legend LeBron James and veteran Marcus Smart and the Purple and Gold believe Maxi Kleber‘s airballed layup helped them win.
Kleber got fouled on a drive to the hoop and had an easy layup, but he airballed the shot and the entire Lakers bench started laughing.
“It was one, hilarious,” LeBron James told NBA reporter Dan Woike of The Athletic. “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.”
Kleber went to the line and made two free throws. The entire Lakers team, still laughing and smiling, clapped as Kleber ran back on defense.
The play showed how strong the chemistry and vibes are in Los Angeles right now. The Lakers are 15-4, good for second place in the Western Conference standings.
“We all had a good laugh,” Maxi Kleber said. “We had a good time with it, and I think this is going to stay (with me) for a couple days.”
The Lakers never trailed against the Pelicans, but New Orleans made several runs to make things interesting. That’s why the Kleber play was so important, as it shifted the energy back to Los Angeles.
“It entirely was (an energy-shifting play),” Gabe Vincent said. “For whatever reason, we went on a run. Crazy. Shout out to Maxi. He’s been shifting energy since day one when he’s stepped on the court for us. He’s been a positive shift. And sometimes, that comes in the form of an airball layup.”
The Lakers acquired Kleber from the Dallas Mavericks last season in the blockbuster Luka Dončić trade. Kleber is averaging only 1.6 points per game on the season, but he’s beloved by his teammates.
“He’s f—ing awesome,” Austin Reaves said. “He’s as good of a teammate as you could ask for. On the court. Off the court. Just good dude. Care factor is high. Unselfishness is high. Just cares about the right things.”
Latest NBA News & Rumors
- NBA Rumors: Dallas Mavericks Expected To Trade Anthony Davis, Keep Kyrie Irving
- NBA Rumors: Sacramento Kings GM Scott Perry ‘Desperately’ Wants To Trade Zach LaVine
- NBA Rumors: Execs Wonder If Chicago Bulls Will Pursue Sacramento Kings’ Domantas Sabonis, Dallas Mavericks’ Anthony Davis
- NBA News: Trade Idea Between Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets Features Jonathan Kuminga, Michael Porter Jr.
