Following a frustrating 109-80 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 2, the Los Angeles Lakers continued their uneven start to the season, but there’s hope on the horizon.
The Lakers announced that forward Jarred Vanderbilt is expected to return from his foot injury in early January, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania and Dave McMenamin.
Vanderbilt had been sidelined indefinitely due to a setback in his recovery from offseason surgery on both feet. He hasn’t played since February 1.
Last season, the six-year NBA veteran averaged 5.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in 20 minutes per game. Two seasons ago, he played a key role in the Lakers’ run to the Western Conference Finals.
Now that Vanderbilt’s comeback date is set, Lakers rookie coach JJ Redick can begin planning how to incorporate the adaptable defender into his lineup as quickly and smoothly as possible.
On December 3, the Lakers will play the Miami Heat on the road for the first of their last nine games of the month. After losing to the Oklahoma City Thunder on November 29, they were already eliminated from the Emirates NBA Cup. With a 12-9 record, they dropped to No. 8 in the Western Conference for the season after their most recent defeat at the hands of the Timberwolves.
With Vanderbilt expected back in January, the Lakers’ defense—which now ranks ninth in the NBA with 116.7 points per 100 possessions—would improve.
Vanderbilt might assist the Lakers in meeting their urgent need for a perimeter defender.
LeBron James Identifies the Lakers’ Problems
Prior to losing five of their last seven games and dropping in the standings, the Lakers had the fourth-best offense in the NBA.
LeBron James, who finished with just 10 points on a poor shooting performance of 4 of 16 against the Timberwolves, gave his candid opinion of the Lakers’ current situation.
According to Spectrum Sportsnet, James stated, “We’re just not good offensively right now.” “I believe we put so much effort into attempting to improve our defense that our attack just suffered and became less important as a result. At the moment, our offensive capabilities are lacking.
However, if the Lakers want to compete this season, they must be strong on both sides of the ball.
They shot a scorching 50.6% from the field and 15 3-pointers against the Timberwolves because they were terrible on both sides of the court.
The Lakers, on the other hand, only made 6 of 31 3-pointers and shot 10% poorer from the field.
On Lakers’ radar is Day’Ron Sharpe.
According to Michael Scotto of Hoopshypes, the Lakers are one of several NBA clubs keeping an eye on the status of Day’Ron Sharpe, a former first-round choice of the Brooklyn Nets.
“According to league sources, the Grizzlies, Clippers, Pelicans, Lakers, and Raptors are monitoring Sharpe, who will be eligible for restricted free agency this summer,” Scotto reported.
On the same night that the Lakers fell short against the Timberwolves, Sharpe made his season debut.
In a 128-102 loss against the Chicago Bulls, the Nets backup center played 16 minutes and finished with four points, two rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block.
If the Lakers deal for Sharpe, it won’t make a difference. However, he might at least provide them with another warm body to lessen Anthony Davis’ workload on their frontline, which is beset by injuries.
