The Los Angeles Lakers did not have an ideal start to the current season. They suffered because of a lot of injury issues. Since the preseason, the LA side had to test their roster’s depth and balance. The fans initially thought this team would dominate the season because of the depth of their roster. Very early in the regular season, the Lakers were playing without their key defensive player, Jarred Vanderbilt. Generally, Vando provides a lot of stability in the Lakers’ defense. Hence, Anthony Davis and LeBron James are able to share some workload with Vanderbilt.
There was even a possibility that Darvin Ham would ask Vando to be in the starting lineup. But in the preseason, Vanderbilt sustained a heel bursitis injury. Since then, he has not been able to play his first game in this regular season. However, lately, the Lakers coach gave a positive update on Vando’s recovery status. As per Mike Trudell, Darvin Ham said Vando is progressing as per plans. Although Darvin Ham states that Vando won’t play in the next game, Jarred is getting closer to a return to the lineup.
Darvin Ham Provides Essential Update On Jarred Vanderbilt
In the offseason, Vanderbilt signed a four-year contract extension worth $48 million. Hence, Jarred Vanderbilt should be a major player in the team’s rotation for the current season and beyond. Moreover, Darvin Ham mentioned earlier this month that he would not like to put a time on when Jarred Vanderbilt will return. But Ham pointed out that the most important drill regarding Vando is that he started to ramp up on a day-to-day basis. Moreover, the Lakers coach said that Jarred Vanderbilt did not have any real contact for so long, only some stationary drills individually. Adding to that, Ham said Vando is trying to get his conditioning, low-impact, and some basketball court stuff.
Jarred Vanderbilt is “Progressing according to plan”, via Darvin Ham. Wouldn’t expect him to play on this trip, but he’s clearly getting close to a return.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) November 29, 2023
Anyway, Vanderbilt’s return will help the Lakers limit LBJ’s minutes. Moreover, the oldest active player in the league has played major minutes for the Lakers. But it is essential to give him enough rest so that he can stay healthy all season. That’s what Jarred Vanderbilt’s return will help the team with. Last regular season, Vando played 26 games for the Lakers, averaging 7.2 points per game along with 6.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.2 steals. He played 24.0 minutes per game on average. When Vando gets fit, Ham might give him a place in the starting lineup.
Lakers Recovered Well Against The Pistons After Ugly Loss Against The 76ers
In the offseason, many experts deemed the LA side a contender to win the title this season. After 19 games, they still have a good chance to accomplish their goals. Currently, the 17-time champions are 11-8. Lately, the Lakers had a great game against the Detroit Pistons. The Purple and Gold blew the Pistons 133-107. However, the Pistons had a worse start this season than the Lakers. The Detroit side has already lost 16 of the 18 games they played so far.
On the contrary, the Lakers are 7th in the Western Conference. Moreover, the LA side has reached the quarter-finals of the in-season tournament. They have been 4-0 in the NBA Cup so far. Most probably, Darvin Ham’s side will host the Phoenix Suns in their first knockout game of the in-season tournament. But the Lakers Nation believes the franchise could have done a lot better already if it had not been for their long Injured List.
