Training camp hasn’t even started, and the Los Angeles Lakers know they will be shorthanded at the beginning of the season. The Lakers, who open training camp today at their training facility in El Segundo (Calif.), may not have three of their eight bigs on their 18-man roster when they open the regular season against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 22.
The Los Angeles Lakers Slated To Be Shorthanded To Open Season: When Will The Injured Players Return?
Los Angeles, coming off another disappointing regular season and playoff dismantling by the Denver Nuggets, knows one thing: if they plan on making a run at a second title before LeBron James retires, they must stay healthy. However, that won’t be the case early, as Jarred Vanderbilt, Christian Wood, and Christian Koloko will miss the entire preseason. While the status of Vanderbilt and Koloko are up-and the air for the game against Minnesota, Wood projects to miss at least the first two weeks of the season.
Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus said last week that the bulk of the Lakers roster is healthy. Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and Jalen Hood-Schifino were cleared after dealing with previous ailments.
“The exceptions include Jarred Vanderbilt, who underwent foot surgery after the season. Since he had one scheduled, Vanderbilt also had a bone spur removed from his other foot. While he’s not ready for training camp, [ general manager Rob] Pelinka’s initial track should have Vanderbilt available around (or near) the start of the regular season.
Wood, however, is six weeks away from reevaluation after knee surgery and won’t be ready for opening night.”
Jarred Vanderbilt Update
Vanderbilt provided an injury update yesterday at Lakers media day and said he was unsure if he would be ready to go by opening night.
“I’m not quite sure,” Vanderbilt said Monday at Lakers’ Media Day, via Lakers reporter Mike Trudell. “The team has put together a great plan for me, and we’re making progress.”
Vanderbilt, acquired at the 2023 NBA trade deadline, was expected to at least compete with Hachimura for the Lakers starting power forward spot this season. Even if Vanderbilt doesn’t get the starting nod when healthy, he is expected to have a big role as one of the Lakers’ few experienced bigs.
Vanderbilt was limited to 29 games last season due to lingering foot problems and last played on February 2. Known as a solid rebounder and defender, Vanderbilt averaged 5.2 points on 52.8% shooting and 4.8 rebounds in 20 minutes a game, including six starts last season.
Christian Wood Update
Wood also provided an update on his return, per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
Christian Wood estimates he has two more weeks of rehab and then two weeks of ramp up after that until he will be able to play.
Wood struggled this past season and underwent another knee procedure three weeks ago. He is expected to be a major contributor on the Lakers second unit once again due to his scoring and rebounding abilities.
Wood turned in his worst campaign in the past five seasons in his first season with the Lakers, compiling 6.9 points and 5.1 rebounds with 46.6/30.7/70.2 shooting splits in 17.4 minutes across 50 appearances. He totaled two double-doubles and scored in double-figures 15 times.
Christian Koloko Update
LA needing frontcourt depth following Wood undergoing his knee procedure, so they signed Koloko to a 2-way contract despite him not being cleared by the the NBA’s Fitness-to-Play Panel. However, the OC Register’s Kobi Price reported that the Lakers are optimistic and hopeful that he will be cleared sooner rather than later.
Koloko, who played in 59 games for Toronto in 2022-23, sat out all of last season due to blood clots. As a result of him being on a two-way deal and not playing in over a year, Koloko is likely destined for the G-League. But if he is cleared and Vanderbilt is sidelined, e would likely be active to provide the Lakers depth.
Final Word
Unless the Lakers make a trade, they have reportedly inquired about Mitchell Robinson; the Lakers need Vanderbilt and Wood to get healthy. While both players have major flaws, Vanderbilt is extremely limited offensively, and Wood’s defense is a nightmare, they are major components of the Lakers rotation.
Without Vanderbilt and Wood, James will likely have to play the five more often and Hachimura could also see time at center. Last season, James saw 13% percent of minutes at center and Hayes 5%.
Jaxson Hayes is also a candidate to see increased time with the injuries, but he has only averaged more than 20 minutes a game once in his career. Hayes, who is very efficient around the rim, averaged 4.3 points and 3.0 rebounds in 12.5 minutes a game over 70 contests for the Lakers last season.
Lakers Frontcourt Depth Chart
Starters 144 -95
Lebron James: 30 minutes a game. James could see 35 minutes a night until Vanderbilt or Wood return.
Rui Hachimura: 30 minutes a night.
Anthony Davis: 35 minutes
Key Reserves
Jarred Vanderbilt: 20 minutes
Christian Wood: 18 minutes
Jaxson Hayes: 10 minutes, though they could see more time early due to injuries.
Dalton Knecht: Should see around 10 minutes a game at either small forward or shooting guard.
Cam Redish: He will likely get some run, though expect him to play for 60 minutes.
Extras
Colin Castleton (2-way contract): Spend most of the season in the G-League with South Bay.
Christian Koloko (2-way contract): He is the wildcard. If he is cleared, he could see time in emergency situations with the Lakers.
Maxwell Lewis Will spend most of his time with South Bay.
