Overview
- The Lakers said Tuesday he has an oblique strain and will be reevaluated in about two weeks, hours before the opener at Golden State.
- Multiple outlets report the timeline likely costs him at least Los Angeles' first eight games.
- Deandre Ayton starts at center with Jaxson Hayes backing up, while Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt and two-way Christian Koloko are options for additional frontcourt minutes.
- LeBron James (sciatica) and rookie Adou Thiero (knee) are also out for opening night, tightening depth on the wings and up front.
- Kleber arrived in February in the Luka Dončić trade, missed most of last season after foot surgery and enters the final year of a three-year, $33 million deal.