After losing Deandre Ayton at halftime, the Lakers needed someone to step up in the second half of Sunday’s game against the Jazz. Few people likely expected Maxi Kleber to be that player.

After not playing in the first half, Kleber provided big minutes on both ends of the court in the second half, leading to him closing the game to help LA secure the win.

While it’s his offense that typically draws the focus, Kleber’s defense was just as apparent, if not more, against Utah.

“Maxi coming in in that second half really changed the game for us with his physicality,” head coach JJ Redick said. “[He] made some plays at the rim, had the big bucket late. He was great. Gabe was great as well. Those two guys playing in that extended run, that’s really where our defense was solidified.

“[The Jaz

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