Los Angeles, CA, Tuesday, December 13, 2022 - Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) shows his dissatisfaction with a ref call during second half action against the Boston Celtics at Crypto.Com Arena. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73027596/usa_today_22199247.5.jpg)
During their recent six-game road trip, the Los Angeles Lakers found themselves, going 4-2 to get back above.500 and build some momentum.
The majority of the 2023–24 season has seen Los Angeles be inconsistent, but following a few lineup changes by head coach Darvin Ham, the squad has improved on both sides. But Jarred Vanderbilt’s injury to his foot during the Lakers’ most recent game against the Boston Celtics dealt a serious blow to the team.
Against the New York Knicks and Charlotte Hornets in the remaining two games of the road trip, Vanderbilt was declared out right away. After first fearing that the injury would terminate the season, Vanderbilt was found to have a mid-foot sprain and will be,
It’s encouraging that Ham mentioned there’s a chance Vanderbilt would be able to play for the rest of the season because there was worry that they would have to miss it. But given his history of lower-body ailments, the team needs to employ extra caution while dealing with him.
Los Angeles loses its greatest point-of-attack defender and player with effort and intensity when Vanderbilt leaves. Vanderbilt is a crucial two-way player on the team, and even if his offensive potential as a finisher and shooter is limited, his absence will be felt greatly.
Prior to the NBA trade deadline, the Lakers were searching the league for upgrades in the backcourt; however, given the Vanderbilt injury, they may now be more interested in two-way players and 3-and-D wings. Players such as those will be in high.
