The Los Angeles Lakers have been dealing with several injuries this season, affecting key players like Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, and Christian Wood, who are expected to miss the rest of the year. However, there’s hope for Vincent and Vanderbilt, as there are conflicting reports about their return before the regular season concludes.
While the team hasn’t provided clear updates on their injuries, the possibility of Vanderbilt returning could significantly boost the Lakers’ chances in the playoffs, especially given his defensive skills. Although Vincent’s return would also help, it might not have as significant an impact as Vanderbilt’s potential comeback.
Lakers’ to experience notable defensive capabilities in return of Jarred Vanderbilt
Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt could make a comeback before the playoffs kick-off. The Athletic’s Jovan Buha reports that there’s “hopeful anticipation” within the team that Vanderbilt could return by the Lakers’ last regular-season game on April 14.
While CBS Sports’ Bill Reiter initially stated on Tuesday that Jarred Vanderbilt likely wouldn’t return, there’s still a glimmer of hope that he could contribute to the Lakers’ playoff push.
Vanderbilt hasn’t played since Feb. 1 due to a foot injury, appearing in only 29 games this season due to earlier heel issues. His playing time varied between starting and coming off the bench when healthy. Before his injury, he averaged 5.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game with a 51.8 percent shooting accuracy.
The Lakers have struggled this season, sitting at the No. 9 seed with a record of 38-32. Injuries to key players like Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, Christian Wood, and Cam Reddish have contributed to their challenges. Wood is likely out for the rest of the regular season, while Vincent’s return is less specific than Vanderbilt’s.
Vanderbilt’s absence has been particularly felt in defense, with the Lakers ranking 17th in the league with a defensive rating of 115.5, per NBA.com.
Vanderbilt returns before Lakers’ final regular-season
In February, we last saw Jarred Vanderbilt during the Lakers’ game against the Boston Celtics. Unfortunately, he injured his foot towards the end of the first half while making a move. Vanderbilt had to leave the game, visibly frustrated, as this season has been challenging for him, having played only 29 games.
Comparing his situation to Kawhi Leonard’s injury woes wouldn’t be far-fetched. With just 14 games left before the playoffs and the Lakers currently ranking 10th in the Western Conference, they eagerly await Vanderbilt’s return, especially since they are on a two-game losing streak.
A glimmer of hope from a recent update by The Athletic’s Jovan Buha shows Vanderbilt practicing one-legged shots and looking comfortable. This is a positive sign, especially since his foot injury was non-contact.
Before this foot sprain, Vanderbilt was dealing with recurring bursitis that caused him to miss a significant part of the preseason and regular season games. Returning to the court after such a break was challenging, but another injury struck just as he was finding his rhythm. Despite these setbacks, Vanderbilt’s recent demeanor is much brighter, which is crucial for the Lakers as they aim for a stronger finish to the season.
Do let us know your thoughts in the comment section about how you think the team will be affected if Jarred Vanderbilt returns to the court. We would love to hear from you.
