Is Jarred Vanderbilt Going to be Healthy for the Lakers to Start the Season?

Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

All summer long, Lakers fans have been talking about the value of Jarred Vanderbilt, which was driven home by his inability to stay on the floor last year. With (basically) the same team returning this year, one major spot where the Lakers might generate internal improvement would be having Vanderbilt available again, providing significant optionality for new coach JJ Redick.

Well... maybe not?

Throughout the offseason, it's been noted that there has been precious little in terms of positive updates around Vanderbilt and his injured foot. Nothing of him on the court or working out at the facility. And now the whispers that Vanderbilt's rehab may not be going great have been amplified. Spectrum Sportsnet's Mike Bresnahan noted heading into the weekend that Vanderbilt might not be ready when training camp kicks off in a few weeks.

Vanderbilt, who elected not to have surgery over the summer, could theoretically recover in time for the season to start—and it's not definitive that he'll not be ready for camp —but it's unquestionably distressing to see that he may not be on track. It raises fears that the injury could linger and cause him to miss games. And the Lakers are no better equipped today to deal with his absence than they were a year ago. Any limitation on Vanderbilt's ability to contribute at his full capacity would be a major blow to the team.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Will Jarred Vanderbilt be ready for the season?

SEGMENT 2: What happens if Vando can't go?

SEGMENT 3: Redick not concerned about LeBron, A.D. and the Olympics. And could LeBron go in '28... in another sport?

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