Lakers' Injury-Prone Big Man Suffers Another Setback

The Los Angeles Lakers officially kick off the 2024-25 NBA regular season on Tuesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. After a frustrating offseason in which the front office failed to make any significant moves, Lakers fans are still hopeful that this is a team that could be a dangerous playoff opponent capable of making a deep run.

To do that, however, they need their full complement of players healthy. Unfortunately, that doesn't sound like it's in the cards for Los Angeles.

Head coach JJ Redick provided the latest update on Jarred Vanderbilt. Per Lakers reporter Mike Trudell, Vanderbilt is still ramping up and the team will give an update in "roughly two weeks".

Lakers News: Jarred Vanderbilt Still Not Ready to Return

This can be interpreted as another setback in Vanderbilt's injury. The talented defender underwent offseason procedures on both feet after his right foot surgery for a mid-foot sprain revealed a bone spur in his left foot.

Last week, Redick had said that Vanderbilt was "on target" to be available close to the start of the season. Now, the fact that he is going to be re-evaluated in two weeks when the season opener is in four days is not good news.

Vanderbilt hasn't played since early February, missing all but 29 games for the Lakers last season. In 2023, he signed a four-year, $48 million extension with the Lakers.

So far, Vando hasn't been able to contribute at a level commensurate with that contract. However, he is a very talented defensive player with some untapped potential. Considering the glaring lack of depth in the Lakers frontcourt, Vanderbilt's healthy return will be key for the team's chances of regular season success.

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