
“Bao Renjun: Suns Present Greatest Uncertainty as Lakers’ Potential Play-In Opponents, with Vanderbilt Expected to Return”
The Los Angeles Lakers currently sit at 8th place in the Western Conference, making it virtually impossible for them to avoid the play-in tournament with their current record. Their aim now is to secure either the 7th or 8th seed, granting them a competitive advantage in the play-in tournament.
According to insider information from the Lakers’ camp, there’s optimism surrounding the potential return of defensive stalwart Jared Vanderbilt, dubbed the “Vanderbilt”. Reports suggest that his right foot injury has progressed sufficiently, allowing him to engage in light jogging.
“I’ve been told Vanderbilt has upped his training to include light jogging,” a source revealed.
“However, he hasn’t yet returned to on-court contact activities, ruling him out for Sunday’s game in New Orleans. Even a cameo appearance seems unlikely. So, if Vanderbilt is to make a comeback, it seems it will have to be in the early stages of the playoffs. Perhaps the Lakers will bring him back against the Timberwolves or Thunder, or even midway through a series.”
Vanderbilt has been plagued by injuries throughout this season, failing to return to action since his absence in February. Nonetheless, the Lakers have performed decently overall, currently holding onto the 8th seed in the West. However, with one game left in the regular season, their ranking remains subject to change.
For the Lakers to make a deeper postseason run, Vanderbilt’s defensive prowess will be crucial. With his forward-like physique, he can defend multiple positions, particularly the opposing team’s offensive focal points. Concerning Vanderbilt’s recovery, Lakers head coach Hamm recently stated that there hasn’t been significant progress.
Should the Lakers secure a playoff berth, they will undoubtedly rely on Vanderbilt’s defense. This is especially true when facing teams like the Nuggets, Timberwolves, Thunder, or Suns, whose offensive cores are currently beyond the Lakers’ containment capabilities.
If Vanderbilt returns, the Lakers’ backcourt defense will significantly improve, alleviating defensive pressure on LeBron James and Anthony Davis. However, without him, the Lakers’ postseason prospects are bleak. Even if they make it to the playoffs, the Lakers are unlikely to advance beyond the second round.
This season, many Western Conference teams have introduced height challenges with rotations in both starting lineups and benches. The backcourt height of many teams has increased compared to the past. It will be difficult for the Lakers to rely on guards like D’Angelo Russell and Reeves to make a substantial impact.