The Los Angeles Lakers are off to a solid start to the season. Through six games, they are 4-2 and have looked much better than they did under Darvin Ham last season.
However, their roster issues remain. They lack depth in several key areas, especially in the frontcourt. That is further exacerbated by injuries to two backup bigs: Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood. Vanderbilt's injury is particularly worrisome and the latest update by head coach JJ Redick wasn't an encouraging one.
Redick said that Vanderbilt is still dealing with discomfort in his feet, per ESPN's Dave McMenamin. While he didn't call it a "setback", Redick added that he should be considered week-to-week.
Lakers News: Jarred Vanderbilt Still Not Ready to Return
Vanderbilt hasn't suited up for the Lakers since February 2023 and only appeared in 29 games last season.
For a player so reliant on physicality and athleticism like Vanderbilt, missing this much action is definitely concerning. The fact that he continues to suffer setbacks or delays in his return only adds to that concern.
When he is healthy, Vando can be an important part of the Lakers, especially on the defensive end. At 6-foot-8, he can guard multiple positions and provide high-level help defense. While limited offensively, he brings much-needed toughness to this team.
That is why the front office gave him a four-year, $48 million deal before the 2023-24 season. So far, he hasn't been able to provide enough value to be worth that contract. If he continues to struggle with health and availability, his contract might be used to match salaries in a potential trade.
