Lakers Health Updates: Is Vanderbilt Close to Returning? Plus, Rui and Knecht Focus on Rebounding.

Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers had a few notable deficiencies last season. One, to be sure, was health.

On that front, could things be improving? Austin Reaves missed Thursday's game in Milwaukee, but is considered day-to-day and nobody seems all that concerned. Meanwhile, while the language wasn't exactly definitive, the bottom line on Jarred Vanderbilt is that the Lakers are still optimistic he'll be available when the season starts. (If "when" becomes "pretty close to," that's not a bad result, either.)

Another big issue: Focus. Rui Hachimura admitted the Lakers spent 30-40 games last year kind of screwing around. Does that mean a lack of focus? Does that mean screwing around, as in doing dumb things asked of them by the coaching staff? Perhaps a little of the later leads to some of the former? Either way, Rui says they're aware, and don't plan to repeat it. Helps explain what seems like an elevated level of focus and urgency this preseason vs. last.

And then there's rebounding. It was an issue all year for the Lakers. Extra possessions (meaning offensive rebounds, in part) was a big emphasis for JJ Redick. Well, the Lakers are making some progress there -- Dalton Knecht had six of them in Thursday's game. On the other side, Hachimura, not exactly known for his rebounding, had eight of his own. It's an area the Lakers have to find some improvement if they want to reach their potential ceiling.

Speaking of Knecht, how likely is he to make an impact as a rookie?

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers are kinda healthy?
SEGMENT 2: Are they taking things more seriously?
SEGMENT 3: Rebounding. Rebounding, rebounding, rebounding...

For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with a local perspective. Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.

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