The Lakers have battled through the season with many injuries and a lack of consistency among rotational players. Jarred Vanderbilt as of recent is facing another injury this year. Vanderbilt signed an extension with the Lakers this offseason for a four year extension valued at $48 million. Vanderbilt had missed the first twenty games of the regular season with left heel bursitis. And as of recent, he was fully getting into the rotation until suffering a mid-foot sprain on his right foot. The Lakers have received hopeful news regarding the injury and are looking forward to getting Vanderbilt back on the floor.
Lakers News: Positive Update and Return for Jarred Vanderbilt
Outlook on Vanderbilt Injury
Jarred Vanderbilt has been diagnosed with a right mid-foot sprain. He will be re-evaluated by team doctors in approximately 3-4 weeks. pic.twitter.com/NsvHoGk04H
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 5, 2024
It has been a long difficult season for forward Jarred Vanderbilt. From the injury at the start of the season to his recent injury, Vanderbilt will be reevaluated in three to four weeks. SpectrumSportsNet Mike Trudell spoke to the Lakers’ general manager Rob Pelinka. He believes at some point this season under the belief that there is no surgery, that Vanderbilt will return.
“Until an injury is healed and the player is back, you’re kind of always in the evaluation process of figuring out what’s going to take to get a player healthy and back on the court. I would just say we’re hopeful we can get Jarred back healthy and without surgery. Time will tell, but that’s certainly our hope,” said Pelinka.
This is a positive outlook heading towards the post-season if the Lakers are to secure a playoff spot. Vanderbilt has been a great pickup following last year’s trade package that included D’Angelo Russell from the Russell Westbrook trade. He has been a dominant defender on team’s primary ball handler and scorer, being their all-stars. Vanderbilt has been one of the pieces as to why this team defensively has shined and also got itself to a shocking Western Conference Finals matchup against the Denver Nuggets.
Vanderbilt’s Impact on the Floor
Vanderbilt’s expertise went unlooked before he came to the Los Angeles Lakers. Vanderbilt played for the Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and the Utah Jazz before becoming a Laker. With the Lakers organization, comes primetime games and a spotlight amongst all players on the team. His impact on the defensive end, rebounding, and hustle plays have Lakers faithful loving what he brings every game. The energy he brings to the court is very infectious and he showed the type of impact he brings with the Lakers last season. Defense is where this team excelled alongside Anthony Davis. His constant energy and passion on the defensive end garners stops, limiting teams star players, and getting the Lakers out into transition. He has flourished on this Lakers squad and is a vital piece to the team having success.
The Last Word
The Lakers seem hopeful for Vanderbilt’s current injury and his recovery, which is great news. With an evaluation in a few weeks, we shall see if Vanderbilt is to be back towards the end of the season. With high hopes, the Lakers would be in great shape if Vanderbilt is to make a return. He was a part of the post-season success they had last year and that they hope to have this year. When the Lakers’ defense is clicking, the offense improves as well. Getting Vanderbilt back in the rotations and out on the floor would be a massive boost for the Lakers, who desperately need his elite defense and energy.
