The Los Angeles Lakers were short-handed when they took the floor against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday. Rui Hachimura recently suffered a nasal fracture that will keep him out for at least a week, and Cam Reddish missed his second straight game with groin soreness.
That is on top of the ongoing absences of forward Jarred Vanderbilt and guard Gabe Vincent. In particular, the Lakers are missing the defensive versatility, rebounding and energy of Vanderbilt, who emerged as a key role player last season when they reached the Western Conference finals.
Vanderbilt appears to be nearing a return to game action. He was seen going through drills on the court (h/t Lakers Daily).
Lakers Jarred Vanderbilt ( @JVando ) is getting close to making his return with the Lakers he was working out with coach @DeMarreCarroll1 on corner 3s, get action, and slips in pick & roll 🔥 pic.twitter.com/DG2x225ZT9
— Swish Cultures (@swishcultures_) November 24, 2023
Saturday’s game was the start of a challenging four-game road trip for L.A., so if Vanderbilt is able to return soon, it would serve as a big shot in the arm for the team.