Jarred Vanderbilt, a forward, has been upgraded to questionable for the Los Angeles Lakers’ Game 5 against the Denver Nuggets on Monday night.
Since sustaining a mid-right foot injury against the Boston Celtics on February 1, Vanderbilt has not played in a game. The Lakers’ medical staff never cleared Vanderbilt to play in Game 3 or Game 4 at Crypto.com Arena, despite reports to the contrary. For weeks, the Lakers have not formally provided an update on Vanderbilt’s development.
Due to left heel pain, the versatile defender missed the first 20 games of the 2023–24 regular season. Vanderbilt averaged 5.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 51.8% shooting in 20 minutes across 29 games (six starts).
Vanderbilt’s length and disruptiveness on the perimeter are something the Lakers have missed. Rui Hachimura, D’Angelo Russell, and Taurean Prince have had difficulty tracking shooters and cutters, particularly Michael Porter Jr. and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Austin Reaves and Gabe Vincent have done a commendable job of keeping Jamal Murray under 40% shooting in each of the four games against Denver. Murray’s status for Game 5 is uncertain.
Through the first three games, the Lakers lost the transition battle, which is a huge no-no if they want to pull off the historic upset. When Vanderbilt is at its best, they are adept at moving the ball up the court and creating havoc while creating easy baskets. Naturally, after spending two months in street clothing, the Lakers can’t expect the Swiss Army Knife to be at his sharpest.
Along with D’Angelo Russell and Malik Beasley, Vanderbilt was acquired by the Lakers during the 2023 trade deadline. During their run through the 2023 NBA Playoffs, Vanderbilt started 24 of 26 games for the team.
But, Vanderbilt’s inability to transition onto Nikola Jokic in two-man settings with Murray was a major factor in his diminished role throughout the Denver series. Over the course of the sweep, he finished with two field goals and four rebounds in 41 minutes. He did not play in Game 4.
Nevertheless, going into a hostile Mile High environment, the Lakers might use all the assistance they could get as their 2023–24 season is on the line.
When asked what the Lakers might be able to gain from Vanderbilt’s mid-series return, LeBron responded, “Energy,” at practice last week. “You don’t even teach some of the characteristics he contributes to our team—he’s super high energy and defensive. All you do is let him be Vando out in the world. We’ve only seen a few reports, so we can’t say with certainty that we’re getting him back. However, no one knows his body better than him.
Following knee surgery on February 14, Christian Wood was declared medically fit to play in Game 4. Although he played the entire game, Jaxson Hayes played as the Lakers’ backup center during their season-opening 119-108 victory on Saturday at Crypto.com Arena. Wood held a DNP-CD designation.
LeBron James (left ankle peroneal tendinopathy) and Anthony Davis (left wrist strain) are designated as probables for Game 5 at Ball Arena. Cam Reddish is still sidelined due to a sprained right ankle.
Over his five years in the NBA, Vanderbilt has averaged 10.7 points and 11.2 rebounds per 36 minutes. In September, the 25-year-old agreed to a four-year, $48 million contract extension with the Lakers.
