Lakers Receive Good Injury News Regarding Key Role Player

It's been five months since the Los Angeles Lakers played a basketball game. In the offseason, they brought in JJ Redick to become the head coach, as the Lakers look to have a bounce-back campaign.

Media day just went down on Monday and training camp is underway. The preseason starts on Oct. 4 with the Lakers matching up against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The regular season officially begins on Oct. 22 as the Lakers will once again play the Timberwolves. Everything will run through LeBron James and Anthony Davis but Los Angeles got some positive news regarding forward Jarred Vanderbilt.

According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, Vanderbilt said rehab has gone well after undergoing offseason surgery on both of his feet. He has yet to test in on the court but once he does, it'll be about a month until he can suit up.

During Tuesday's episode of the "Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective" podcast, McMenamin revealed November may be a realistic timeline for his return.

"Once he begins to test it, you're talking about roughly a month-long process. So, we're here at the end of September, season starts October 22... I think there is a realistic pathway to see him on the court in the first half of November."

- Dave McMenamin

At media day Vanderbilt said he's feeling good at where he's at. The Kentucky product said, "I feel great. The process has been going great. ... Everything has been on a great pace and great scheduling. Everything feels good," per Jovan Buha of The Atheltic.

When he's on the floor, the 25-year-old is an athletic and energetic player. He's an active defender who jumps into passing lanes and gives Los Angeles another capable rebounder.

In two seasons with the Lakers, Vanderbilt logs 6.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and shoots 52% from the field.

With a pressure-filled season on the way, Los Angeles will need all hands on deck as they look to have a deep postseason run.

More Lakers news and rumors: