Forward Jarred Vanderbilt has been cleared to begin a return-to-play progression by the Los Angeles Lakers team doctors.
Vanderbilt has missed the first 10 games of the season for the Lakers with bursitis in his left heel.
Vanderbilt is the Lakers’ best perimeter defender. Los Angeles will likely continue to struggle on defense until the lefty returns to the lineup.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Jarred Vanderbilt, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Vanderbilt was acquired by the Lakers last season from the Utah Jazz and helped the team reach the Western Conference Finals after a 2-10 start.
The 24-year-old Vanderbilt signed a four-year, $48 million extension with the Lakers in September. The Kentucky product averaged 7.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.2 blocks in 26 games with Los Angeles last season.
Vanderbilt has career averages of 6.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.5 blocks with the Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Jazz and Lakers. Los Angeles believes its defense will return to form once Vanderbilt returns and gets his legs under him, sources told NBA Analysis Network.
The Lakers are 5-5 on the season. They are currently on a two-game winning streak after beating the Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers. The Lakers defeated the Blazers without LeBron James, who suffered a shin injury in the Suns game.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Jarred Vanderbilt, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
LeBron is averaging 25.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 5.4 assists on the season. He’s still one of the best players in the NBA despite being 38 years old. LeBron is the oldest player in the league.
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