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Jarred Vanderbilt #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers leaves the court after injuring his foot during the second quarter of a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on February 1, 2024 in Boston.
the Los Angeles Lakers Before Jared Vanderbilt is set to return this season after his foot injury, according to Jovan Buha of The Athletic.
“Last I heard, he’s making progress. » Buha said on Saturday, March 9 on his YouTube channel. “It looks like he’s going to be back this season.”
But whether Vanderbilt returns for the Lakers before the playoffs or play-in tournament remains a big question mark.
“It’s just a matter of timing,” Buha said. “Is it in two weeks?” Is it in four weeks? There’s a big difference in when he returns if it’s like the last week of the regular season. It’s better than nothing.
Buha was quick to add that coming off another lower extremity injury “can be a little tricky” for Vanderbilt, which relies on its lateral movement and athleticism in its bread-and-butter defense.
“But it’s difficult to implement such a big piece with the little time left, especially a guy who, I think, when he came back after missing the first 20 games, clearly didn’t have his pace and his legs under him for a while.” Buha explained. “So another lower body injury like that can be a little difficult to come back from. We’ll see how much he can actually contribute, but all I I heard was going in a positive direction.
Vanderbilt was injured during the Lakers’ inspiring 114-105 victory over the Celtics in Boston without LeBron James And Anthony Davis February 1st.
Buha also noted that the Lakers have not yet ruled out a season-ending trade for Vanderbilt. When healthy, Vanderbilt is the Lakers’ most versatile defender.
Anthony Davis injury
Davis’ playing status for Sunday’s showpiece game between the Lakers and the No. 2 Minnesota Timberwolves remains questionable, according to the Official NBA Injury Report starting at 5:30 p.m. ET.
Davis injured his left shoulder in the opening moments of the fourth quarter when Giannis Antetokounmpo » hit his shoulder as he walked towards the basket.
“I couldn’t really move [my shoulder] after that but [I’ll] get treatment and see how I feel tomorrow,” Davis told reporters with a heavy scarf on the shoulder after D’Angelo Russell brought them to nail biting Victory 123-122 above Milwaukee Bucks on Friday March 8.
James also remains doubtful due to a left ankle injury.
Russell scored a season-high 44 points, including the game-winning floater, with Davis scoring just two points on free throws after experiencing shoulder soreness and James being knocked out.
D’Angelo Russell turns public humiliation into motivation
Russell, who has become a constant subject of trade rumors, let out his pent-up emotions during his postgame speech.
“Public humiliation only transformed me into the killer you all see today. » Russell told reporters. “I never lack confidence. I’m never afraid of confrontation. I want all the smoke. Come on, high IQ players, let’s get in the room and talk about it. I’m just confident in what I bring to the basketball game, so whatever room I walk into, I’m confident.
Since regaining his starting spot in the backcourt on Jan. 13, Russell is averaging 22.8 points, 6.4 assists and 3.3 rebounds while shooting 45.8 percent from deep on a solid 8.6 attempts per game.
Alder Almo is a basketball reporter who covers the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors for Heavy. He has over 15 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is originally from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. Learn more about Alder Almo
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