Every Lakers jersey tells a story, and No. 35 is no exception—even if it was only worn for a fleeting moment. Over the franchise's 80-year history, from the Minneapolis days to the bright lights of Los Angeles, 506 players have donned the purple and gold. Some became legends; others were just passing through. Joe Kleine falls into the latter category, but his brief stopover is a fascinating footnote in Lakers lore.

It was the 1996-97 season, and the Lakers were in the midst of reshaping their roster. In a deal that would become famous for bringing Robert Horry to L.A., the team also acquired veteran backup center Joe Kleine from the Phoenix Suns. While Horry went on to become a playoff hero, Kleine's time in Hollywood was far shorter. He appeared in just eight games, averaging a modest 0.8 points and 1.1 rebounds in under four minutes per contest. A month later, he was on the move again, traded to the New Jersey Nets for George McCloud.

Kleine arrived as a 12-year veteran and a former No. 6 overall pick in the 1985 NBA Draft. By the time he hung up his sneakers three seasons later, he had compiled respectable career averages of 4.8 points and 4.1 rebounds. For Lakers fans, No. 35 may not be a number that sparks championship memories, but it serves as a reminder that every player—no matter how brief their stay—adds a unique chapter to the team's storied legacy.