USA Today via Reuters
Dec 2, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) and forward Jarred Vanderbilt (2) play for the rebound against the Houston Rockets during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 2, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) and forward Jarred Vanderbilt (2) play for the rebound against the Houston Rockets during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers and Indiana Pacers are the final lots for the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament Finale. The first-of-its-kind, IST, has garnered much attention. It’s safe to say that this will be the new normal in the league now. When the Pacers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, Tyrese Haliburton had simply used actions to convey more than words did. And now facing one of the most dominant teams in the NBA, there seems to be a high chance of LA being at a semi-full strength. Including Jarred Vanderbilt.
Having missed about 20-plus games this season, Vanderbilt is well on his way to being healthy. His arrival couldn’t have come at a more opportune time.
Jarred Vanderbilt arrives at a crucial time
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Though Vando was taking much-needed time for rehabilitation, he ensured to keep his fans updated about his progress. Recent posts have shown him working out with efficiency and flexibility. With that in mind, Jarred Vanderbilt has been listed as probable vs the Pacers for the tourney.
Anthony Davis, LeBron James and Jarred Vanderbilt are probable vs. Indiana. James has recently been listed as questionable before most games.
Gabe Vincent remains out.
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) December 9, 2023
Though it also says that LeBron James and Anthony Davis are also on the probable list, more often than not, we have seen these stars suit up for games. Gabe Vincent, on the other hand, continues to deal with knee issues and is ‘Out’. Vanderbilt’s heel issue initially started as a nagging pain, which was soon diagnosed as bursitis.
An injury sustained during training camp turned out to be a costly loss for the Lakers. A key piece in the roster as the best perimeter defender, the purple and gold suffered drastically in Vando’s absence. While the medical team had cleared him for on-court activities a few times, the final outcome was always an ‘Out’.
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From the 10th of October, he was on the injury list. Jarred finally made his season debut against the Rockets last Saturday. He was, of course, on a minute restriction, playing just 14 minutes (4 rebounds and 1 assist).
Who will replace Vanderbilt if he may not make it?
Cam Reddish has been doing a wonderful job in Jarred Vanderbilt’s absence. Having played minimal game time of 14 minutes in the past three games, the Texas native is averaging 5.0 rebounds in 14.3 minutes per game. It is highly likely that we will see him in a similar role for the grand final.
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The past game’s performances are enough to remind the NBA world why his absence was a real letdown. With the training staff drawing up plans to integrate him gradually into the team, we can look forward to watching the young forward back alongside Anthony Davis.
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