(Photo : Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) HOUSTON, TEXAS – Jarred Vanderbilt (#2) of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks the ball in opposition to the Houston Rockets in the course of the first half at Toyota Center on January 29, 2024 in Houston, Texas.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ superstars proceed to do their job in maintaining their playoff hopes alive.
LeBron James continues to defy father time. Anthony Davis is having his greatest season defensively. D’Angelo Russell is taking part in the very best basketball lately.
However, there is no such thing as a denying that they’re nonetheless nowhere close to their goal-a playoff spot and home-court advantage-and they’ll want each assist they will get.
The Purple and Gold look good after the All-Star break, successful 4 of their final seven video games. However, that solely places them in ninth place within the Western Conference standings.
The starters are productive, however they want the bench to do extra. So far, they’re twenty third within the league when it comes to bench scoring.
This is perhaps solved as soon as Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent return.
The duo solely produces a mixed 11 factors per recreation, however they had been efficient relievers earlier than their damage, taking part in 20 and 25 minutes, respectively.
Read extra: Knicks Jalen Brunson Injury Update
Vincent, acquired over the summer season after the Miami Heat’s sensational closing run, has solely performed 5 video games to date, stopping the Lakers from using its full roster energy.
Vanderbilt has performed 25 video games this season however hasn’t seen court docket time since February 22. He joined the Lakers mid-season of 2023 and was re-signed to a four-year, $48 million contract extension.
Jarred Vanderbilt damage replace
The 2018 forty first draft decide was identified with a proper mid-foot sprain 29 days in the past, and it was feared that he is perhaps out for the season.
“I’m told that Jarred Vanderbilt has suffered what was described to me as a ‘significant right foot injury,'” NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski mentioned.
“There’s concern that he could be lost for the rest of the season. They’re consulting with specialists this week and going through that foot injury.”
Fans can relax now because the analysis was not as heavy as anticipated. During their win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, Vanderbilt was noticed strolling on the sidelines with out strolling boots.
The Lakers, nevertheless, is but to launch replace on the younger energy ahead.
Gabe Vincent return
The 27-year-old capturing guard has spent extra time on the sidelines than Vanderbilt.
His restoration is trending in the best course, and Shams Charania confirmed that he’s already doing basketball stuff.
“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,” he mentioned throughout an look on Fan Duel TV.
Push for playoffs
Lakers have the eight most demanding schedules, in line with Tankathon.
Nine of their upcoming 11 video games will probably be in opposition to above .500 groups, together with internet hosting the Sacramento Kings, Milwaukee Bucks, and Minnesota Timberwolves.
They are 2.5 video games behind a Top 6 end for a direct postseason look and 6 video games above the 11thspot.
They reached the postseason of 2023 by way of play-in, though they wanted to go 8-2 of their final 10.
Their 2022-2023 season ended after they had been swept by eventual champions Denver Nuggets in 4 shut video games.
Related article: Lakers Crack Thunder Behind Dominant Anthony Davis and D’Angelo Russell Performances
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