The Los Angeles Lakers might not have any new injuries since the start of the training camp, but the ones that carried over in itself are enough cause to worry. The Lakers’ 6’8 forward, Jarred Vanderbilt, was on schedule to return in time for the season opener against the Timberwolves on October 22. But it seems like some rescheduling will be required on that front.

JJ Redick had an update on the 25-year-old wing. And while overall, it’s a positive update, especially considering Vando’s luck last year, it wasn’t what many expected based on the positive updates we have been getting.

“Jarred Vanderbilt continues to progress towards a return, according to JJ Redick, however he will continue to rehab for at least the next two weeks, which will cause him to miss the start of the regular season on Oct. 22,” Dave McMenamin of ESPN tweeted.

Redick also noted that Vanderbilt hasn’t suffered any setbacks, and neither has there been a delay in his return to progression. Moreover, he and Christian Wood (another one to come into training camp injured), had taken part in no-contact basketball drills after Purple & Gold’s shootaround. All things considered, though, his return time aligns with the original timeline.

Without Jarred, the Los Angeles Lakers will miss a crucial piece in frontcourt depth. While it isn’t ideal, Coach Redick has tried his hand at working around the hump with smaller lineups – Max Christie as the small forward while LeBron James takes the power forward and Anthony Davis as the center.

But the ex-Duke product is prepared for the future as well. JJ has also gone the route of two-big lineups with Jaxson Hayes and AD. Hence, when Vanderbilt returns, he could see himself in a similar spot.

The Los Angeles Lakers optimistic about Vanderbilt’s return

During the Media Day last month, Vanderbilt himself provided an optimistic outlook on how he is feeling about his return. “I feel great. The process has been going great. … Everything has been on a great pace and great scheduling. Everything feels good,” Jovan Buha of The Athletic tweeted.

Perhaps seeing the progress, the Lakers GM, Rob Pelinka, had expressed his optimism about Jarred’s availability for their matchup against the Wolves. But Vando had also noted that he was unsure about his availability for the season opener back then. Clearly, he seemed to have quite a good idea about the time his body requires to get back to form. After all, he did undergo two surgeries on his feet.

But the Purple & Gold has stuck with the NBA Cup Champion, helping him with the ramp-up process, taking it one step at a time. With Redick’s attention to detail, the Lakers coach shared that he was looking forward to making good use of the 6’8 forward’s defensive skillset.

“We’ve had some fun with one of our zones. … We have another version of a zone that features [Vanderbilt]. I’m looking forward to experimenting with that. Probably won’t get to experiment with it in the preseason,” JJ stated. Furthermore, Redick seems to have placed great expectations on Jarred Vanderbilt in his return.

“A lot of the stuff that we’re emphasizing in terms of crashing, being disruptive and physical on defense, picking guys up full court, our switching groups – he’s going to do a lot of good things for us,” the Los Angeles Lakers coach predicted.

Well, Vando might not make it to the season opener. But Redick & Co. have a clear strategy as to how to use his expertise when he finally does suit up – and it’s significant. So, here’s to wishing Jarred a speedy recovery!