As the season is coming to a close with only five games remaining for the Los Angeles Lakers, Jarred Vanderbilt has been the one sidelined for some time. Vanderbilt last played on February 1st, until he left mid-game due to a right mid-foot sprain. The Lakers continue to be optimistic in regards to getting the defensive prowl that Vanderbilt poses. With a tough schedule ahead and wherever the Lakers land in the standings, they would absolutely appreciate Vanderbilt’s return.
Lakers Injury Update: Defensive Ace Nearing Return
Tough Stretch Ahead
It’s going to be an uphill battle with the remaining teams they have to face to end the season. The Lakers end the season facing the Cavaliers this Saturday, followed by the Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors, Memphis Grizzlies, and New Orleans Pelicans. All of these teams are hungry, and ready for their presence in the playoffs. Fortunately, three out of the five games are to be played at crypto.com. Further, garnering the Lakers some momentum and advantage playing at home.
The Lakers seem to be focusing on each game one at a time. Furthermore, the standings are close and there is the possible chance of them avoiding staying in their current seed, the ninth seed. This would be quite beneficial for the Lakers if they can get to the seventh or eighth seed, giving them an extra chance if they are to lose the first play-in tournament game. Getting a player like Vanderbilt back would be phenomenal to have in the rotations for the defensive end of the Lakers.
Positive Injury Update For Jarred Vanderbilt
Over the past several months that Vanderbilt has been out, we’ve had uncertainty as to when Vanderbilt will return. With only a few weeks left until the play-in tournament, the good news on the horizon seems to be more credible. Vanderbilt continues to be progressing well through his rehab. Vanderbilt injured his foot with that right mid-foot sprain roughly two months ago against the Celtics. There were reports that Vanderbilt could miss the rest of the season and not return. Luckily, he managed to avoid a season-ending injury and over time has been progressing and working hard towards getting back out on the floor.
Jovan Buha of The Athletic reported yesterday,
“From what I’ve heard, the Lakers are targeting early April. I don’t have a concrete date in terms of is that. Is that April 9th? But sometime within that first week to week-and-a-half of April the Lakers are trying to get Vando Back. The season ends on April 14th, so they are trying to get him back to get him three or four games under his belt”.
Although this timeframe is not exact and still uncertain, it’s positive news that the Lakers are planning to get Vanderbilt back soon.
Positive Signs For Vanderbilt’s Return
In addition to the uncertainty of reports as to when Vanderbilt will return, there have been several positive signs that he’s progressing. Vanderbilt has been traveling with the team throughout the entire road trip. Equally important with Jovan Buha’s report from yesterday, is Vanderbilt getting a pregame on-court workout with assistant coaches Phil Handy and DeMarre Carroll. Darvin Ham reported to Buha, that Vanderbilt will be re-evaluated early next week.
Darvin Ham says Jarred Vanderbilt will be re-evaluated early next week.
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) April 3, 2024
Jarred Vanderbilt getting some pregame on-court work in with assistant coaches Phil Handy and DeMarre Carroll pic.twitter.com/ZvY4EQam6q
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) April 3, 2024
These are all positive signs in regards to Vanderbilt ramping up his progression towards returning into the lineup. The Lakers could use his defensive brilliance and the energy that he brings on both ends of the floor.
The Last Word
As the season comes to a close, hopefully his re-evaluation goes well. Furthermore, hopefully he’s able to start ramping up and possibly getting a few games in before the play-in tournament begins. Los Angeles could absolutely use Vanderbilt off the bench as he’s the team’s best point-of -attack defender and offers versatility in the front court. He’s one of the more prominent defenders for the Lakers alongside Anthony Davis. Vanderbilt getting back to be able to absorb the defensive problems would be huge. It’ll be interesting to see when exactly Vanderbilt will return and how the team will handle his rotation and workload. But, it’s looking promising for Lakers faithful that Vanderbilt will return. A huge plus for this Lakers team moving forward.
