It has been a season of ups and downs for the Los Angeles Lakers. They’ve had many more downs than expected, considering the team’s success last year got them to the Western Conference Finals. Defense has been their main struggle, but recent reports on Gabe Vincent and Jarred Vanderbilt show optimism that they could return in the coming weeks. There’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon ahead.
Positive Lakers Injury Updates on These Defensive Reinforcements
Gabe Vincent’s Update and Impact
With Vincent and Vanderbilt on the road to recovery and getting back out on the floor, their defensive expertise could be the answer the Lakers need. Vincent has only played five games this season, but last year, he was an essential piece for the Miami Heat’s run to the Finals.
Per Dave McMenamin, before Wednesday’s matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks,
“Gabe Vincent is not with the Lakers in Milwaukee, according to the team. If Vincent continues to progress in his rehab, he could join L.A. at some point in this six-game road trip”.
This is great news, as there has been no clarity about whether Vincent would play another game this season. Vincent brings a particular skill set that is beneficial to the team. He can balance the diversity of scoring while excelling in defending the opponent’s point of attack. He can also redefine the perimeter, offering the Lakers versatility that has been inconsistent as of late. The strategic depth that Vincent brings by changing the game on both ends of the floor is much needed for the Lakers’ final stretch until the Play-In tournament.
Vincent getting back out on the floor isn’t just another reinforcement. He’s an important piece in finding the rhythm for the team, balancing the defense and attack that this Lakers team has been missing. His presence could push the Lakers to secure a spot in the 2024 playoffs.
Jarred Vanderbilt’s Update and Impact
Vincent’s recent updates have been the same as with Vanderbilt. Many reports have shown positive news regarding Vanderbilt’s progression towards getting back out on the floor.
Per Jovan Buha, covering the Lakers for the Athletic,
“Darvin Ham says Jarred Vanderbilt is ramping up his conditioning but he hasn’t returned to contact activities or practice yet.”
This is also great news, as roughly a week ago, we had a report from CBS Sports’ Bill Reiter that the two were out for the remainder of the season.
Vanderbilt’s absence has been a noticeable factor that has directly contributed to the gaps in the team’s defense. Without him on the court, the Lakers have seen a worrying decrease in securing defensive and offensive rebounds. Every missed board is one less chance to score and allows the opponent to control the game. Vanderbilt’s presence and ability to secure the rebounds are something this Lakers team needs. It’s a vital component that drives the team’s defensive effectiveness and offensive momentum.
Vanderbilt’s impact goes further than gaining that rebounding edge. His defensive versatility offers the Lakers tactical flexibility that has been hard to replicate with him being sidelined, whether guarding opposing top scorers or securing possessions at vital moments. Vanderbilt’s impact goes beyond what shows up on a stat sheet. His energy and drive can alter a game and create the momentum that his other teammates can feed off of. The Lakers look forward to getting the defensive forward back into the lineup.
With the playoffs approaching, finding a solution to this defensive decline is much needed. It is not only crucial for the Lakers’ immediate ambitions, but also to demonstrate that they compete at the highest level. Ultimately, this challenging period for the Lakers in defense can serve as a wake-up call to gain and garner the much-needed momentum and drive for the remaining weeks. The team has the talent, leadership, and experience to reverse this trend and have another successful push in the playoffs. With positive regards to Vanderbilt and Vincent returning, it will reignite the passion and intensity that made this Lakers’ defense dominant. With 14 games remaining, the return of these two will be crucial.
