The Lakers are set to make a push for the playoffs. Although, they’ve been missing a few of their key role players this season. Prominent names like Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent have been sidelined due to injuries for an extended period of time throughout the regular season. With only a few weeks left until the start of the play-in tournament, the resurgence help of these two could be very impactful for the purple and gold. With playoff aspirations and a chance to go all the way, the Lakers look forward to getting Vanderbilt and Vincent healthy back in the rotations.
Lakers News: Updates on Gabe Vincent & Jarred Vanderbilt
The Los Angeles Lakers have had several injuries on their roster throughout the season. Besides D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves, the majority of everyone else has been sidelined with varying injuries. The two that have dealt with the longest injuries have been Vanderbilt and Vincent. Vanderbilt has missed two big stretches throughout the regular season, while Vincent has only played a total of five games. The Lakers and Coach Darvin Ham, have had to get creative and alter many lineups surrounding these injuries.
Beneficial Timing for the Lakers
The Lakers are expected to get these two back relatively soon before the regular season comes to an end. They are potentially getting them back at what seems to be the perfect time. We are getting to the point in the NBA season where every win matters. From the sixth to the tenth seed it is a two-game differential. Quite drastic as the Lakers look to continue momentum and garner a push toward better seeding. The possibility of securing a playoff spot without having to be in the play-in tournament seems feasible. Although, it will be a tough task and the Lakers understand how valuable each game is moving forward. Especially, how valuable it would be to get Vanderbilt and Vincent back as soon as possible.
Today, reporter Shams Charania gave us updates on Gabe Vincent’s expected timetable to return. “Gabe Vincent is finally to the point where he’s progressing to conditioning and ramping up on the floor. His window I’m told to potentially return, begins next week”. This is great news as there are still several weeks until the play-in tournament.
"Gabe Vincent finally to the point where he's progressing to conditioning and ramping up on the floor. His window I'm told to potentially return, begins next week."@ShamsCharania updates on Gabe Vincent.
📺: https://t.co/wdT8I0ST8g pic.twitter.com/N0pSrH6TQx
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) March 11, 2024
Jarred Vanderbilt is on the Lakers bench and he's out of the walking boot. Haven't heard any talk about an imminent return (or anything really) beyond Darvin Ham's "status quo" status quo response when asked about his recovery.
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) March 5, 2024
Getting Vincent and Vanderbilt within the next two weeks would change the entire outlook for rotations. It would be beneficial to the Lakers as these are two-way reliable players that give it their all on both ends of the floor. The timing for these two to return is spectacular news for the Lakers. It gives them roughly three to four weeks to ramp up for the playoffs.
Last Word
With positive news regarding Vanderbilt and Vincent, expect them to be suited up in the purple and gold in a week or so. These are two guys who can play 20-25 minutes a night and will have huge impacts and roles on the defensive end. This has been one of the biggest issues for the Lakers. When turnovers and a lack of consistency occur it usually is a result of too many guards on the floor that cannot defend as well as Vanderbilt or Vincent. With these two back in the fold, the Lakers will have different rotations and options to keep the defense strong alongside Anthony Davis.
