The Los Angeles Lakers are bracing for the possibility of forward Jarred Vanderbilt being sidelined for a significant period following a noncontact injury to his right foot during the team’s recent game against the Boston Celtics. While initial X-rays yielded negative results, there are concerns that further evaluation may reveal more serious damage, potentially leading to an extended absence.
Although no official statement has been released regarding Vanderbilt’s status, sources familiar with the situation indicated that the injury, located in Vanderbilt’s mid-foot area, may necessitate season-ending surgery, as reported by ESPN. This setback comes after Vanderbilt missed the first 20 games of the season due to a heel injury in his left foot.
Vanderbilt’s absence has been keenly felt by the Lakers, particularly his defensive versatility, knack for forcing turnovers, and prowess on the boards. In his last 12 games, he averaged 8.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.1 steals, showcasing his impact on both ends of the court.
The Lakers had high hopes for Vanderbilt, evident in the four-year, $48-million extension he signed with the team during the offseason. Alongside free-agent acquisition Gabe Vincent, Vanderbilt was expected to play a key role as a primary point-of-attack defender for the Lakers this season.
With the trade deadline looming and limited games left before the deadline, the Lakers may explore options to bolster their roster, particularly focusing on acquiring two-way wings. Players like Brooklyn’s Dorian Finney-Smith, known for his three-point shooting and defensive versatility, and Toronto’s Bruce Brown, who has previously drawn interest from the Lakers, could be potential targets.
As the Lakers navigate through this setback, they’ll need to adjust their strategy and potentially look to reinforce their roster to mitigate the impact of Vanderbilt’s potential absence.
