The injury bug has been a pretty big adversary for the Los Angeles Lakers this season. While LeBron James and Anthony Davis have remained relatively healthy, at least so far, numerous other players have missed at least several games due to various ailments.
Right now, guard Gabe Vincent, forward Jarred Vanderbilt and big man Christian Wood are out. Vincent had knee surgery several weeks ago after dealing with prolonged swelling, Vanderbilt suffered a foot injury about a month ago and Wood has a knee swelling issue of his own.
Many Lakers fans have been skeptical or even cynical about Vincent’s chances of returning this season. But Shams Charania reported Vincent is “doing more and more on the court” and the guard hopes to return in a few weeks.
"Gabe Vincent is doing more and more on the court…Barring any setbacks, his hope is still mid to late March to get back in the lineup for the Lakers."@ShamsCharania updates on Gabe Vincent's injury.
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— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) March 5, 2024
Vincent, who emerged last season as a key contributor for a Miami Heat team that unexpectedly reached the NBA Finals, has appeared in five games this season. He is a gritty defender and hustle player who has shown some ability to hit timely shots and handle the rock as a secondary ball-handler.
As for Vanderbilt, he was seen without a walking boot on Monday when L.A. defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Lakers will provide further updates on both Vincent and Vanderbilt next week.
Darvin Ham says that the next updates on Gabe Vincent and Jarred Vanderbilt should come next week.
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) March 5, 2024