Maximilian Kleber

Maximilian Kleber is a German professional basketball player who last played for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA. Born on January 29, 1992, in Würzburg, Germany, the 6'10" forward built a reputation as a stretch big who can knock down threes and guard multiple positions. Over eight seasons with the Dallas Mavericks, he became a fan favorite for his hustle and timely shooting, then moved to the Lakers in 2025. Internationally, he helped Germany win gold at the 2023 FIBA World Cup and bronze at EuroBasket 2022. As of 2026, he is an unrestricted free agent recovering from a foot injury.[edit]

Kleber grew up in Würzburg, a city famous for its historic architecture and as the hometown of Dirk Nowitzki. He played soccer and handball before committing to basketball in his teens. At 17, he joined s.Oliver Würzburg's senior team in Germany's second division, ProA. After three seasons, he moved to the Basketball Bundesliga with Fraport Skyliners, then to Riesen Ludwigsburg, where he earned All-BBL Second Team honors in 2015. Seeking tougher competition, he signed with Baloncesto Fuenlabrada in Spain's Liga ACB. During his final season there, he averaged 11.4 points and 5.9 rebounds while shooting 40.8% from three, catching NBA scouts' attention. He went undrafted in 2017 but quickly signed a two-way contract with the Dallas Mavericks.[edit]

Kleber converted his two-way deal to a standard NBA contract before the 2017–18 season, becoming the first German-born Maverick since Nowitzki. He appeared in 72 games as a rookie, starting 36. In 2019, he signed a four-year, $35 million extension. His best statistical season came in 2019–20, when he averaged 9.1 points and 5.2 rebounds. During the 2022 playoffs, he shot 43.6% from three and started 15 games, helping Dallas reach the Western Conference Finals. Injuries limited him in 2022–23 and 2023–24, but he remained a valuable rotation piece. In February 2025, he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers as part of the blockbuster Luka Dončić deal. He played 28 games for the Lakers before a foot injury ended his 2025–26 season. Internationally, Kleber won bronze at EuroBasket 2022 and gold at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Germany's first World Cup title.[edit]

Kleber is known for his blue-collar, no-frills playing style. He is not flashy or outspoken, focusing on fundamentals, hustle, and team play. His trademark is a high-arcing three-point shot that is difficult to block. The media portrays him as a hard-working, coachable role player who maximized his potential despite going undrafted. His fanbase is strongest in Dallas and Germany, where he is celebrated as a national hero after the 2023 World Cup win. On social media, he posts basketball content and training videos, maintaining a professional, low-key online persona.[edit]

Maximilian Kleber has cultivated a reputation built on steady professional conduct rather than viral notoriety or mythologized fan culture. His relationship with supporters is defined by mutual respect and the quiet appreciation of a player who fulfilled a childhood dream of reaching the NBA without being drafted. While he enjoys strong recognition in Dallas and his native Germany, particularly following the 2023 World Cup victory, there is no formal moniker for his fanbase, nor are there documented rituals, organized campaigns, or legendary crowd disruptions associated with his name. The narrative surrounding him remains grounded in statistical achievement and consistent on-court utility rather than the extraordinary folklore that defines global superstars. Social media interactions reflect standard professional engagement, focusing on team milestones and personal updates without fostering a distinct, named community structure. Unlike athletes who command streets or generate spontaneous public spectacle, Kleber's legacy is one of reliable performance and humble gratitude. As of August 2026, the iFANN Global Fame Engine has evaluated Maximilian Kleber, but he does not currently hold a placement in the published rankings, meaning no specific ordinal rank or score is assigned to his global standing at this time.[edit]

Kleber grew up in Würzburg and played for the same youth club as Dirk Nowitzki, who later mentored him upon entering the NBA. He stands as one of the most successful undrafted German players in history, ranking among the top twenty career three-point shooters born in Germany. Fluent in German, English, and conversational Spanish, he founded the Maxi Kleber Foundation in 2020 to aid youth basketball programs in his hometown. An avid soccer supporter of Bayern Munich, he also enjoys chess and has competed in official NBA tournaments. Despite his long tenure with the Mavericks and subsequent move to the Lakers, no specific viral legends or crowd-disrupting incidents have entered the public record; his story remains one of factual career progression. Recent reports from 2026 highlight medical challenges including a hamstring tear and back strain, yet these remain matter-of-fact updates rather than cultural folklore. There are no verified stories of fans shutting down streets or extraordinary reactions to his play, distinguishing his career from those with mythic status.[edit]

Kleber keeps his family life private. His parents have largely stayed out of the public eye, and he has a younger sister. He maintains close ties to his hometown of Würzburg and returns there during offseasons. As of 2026, he is in a relationship with a private partner and has no children. He owns a home in Dallas, Texas, purchased in 2019, and a property in Würzburg.[edit]

Kleber is closely associated with Dirk Nowitzki, who mentored him and came from the same hometown and youth club. He played alongside Luka Dončić for seven seasons in Dallas before being traded with him to the Lakers. He also shares a bond with German national teammates like Dennis Schröder and Franz Wagner.[edit]

Kleber was in a long-term relationship with Anna-Lena from 2015 to 2020, which ended amicably due to personal growth and career demands. Since 2021, he has been dating a private partner whose identity he keeps confidential. She has attended Mavericks and Lakers games. As of 2026, Kleber remains in this relationship, is not married, and has no children.[edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Maximilian Kleber's net worth in 2026 is estimated at $20 Million. His career earnings in the NBA total approximately $70.6 million before taxes and agent fees. Major contracts include a four-year, $35 million extension signed in 2019 and a three-year, $33 million extension in 2022. Endorsement partnerships feature a multi-year deal with Puma valued between $500,000 and $1 million annually, alongside smaller agreements with German brands. Real estate holdings include a Dallas residence acquired for $1.2 million and a property in Würzburg. Additionally, he has directed capital toward investments in German technology startups.[edit]

Kleber won a gold medal at the 2023 FIBA World Cup and a bronze at EuroBasket 2022 with Germany. He was named to the All-BBL Second Team in 2015 and earned NBA Western Conference Player of the Week honors in March 2022.[edit]