The Los Angeles Lakers announced that forward Jarred Vanderbilt (right leg soreness) has been upgraded to available for Friday night’s contest against the Memphis Grizzlies after originally being listed as questionable.
This is great news for the Lakers as Vanderbilt has become an integral part of the Lakers rotation over the past month. His energy is even more needed as Austin Reaves (left calf strain), Rui Hachimura (right calf soreness), Gabe Vincent (lumbar back strain) and Adou Thiero (right MCL sprain) all remain out.
Vanderbilt is known as one of the best perimeter defenders in the league, and one of the only true defensive-minded players on the Lakers roster. His offensive limitations have sometimes hindered his impact, but he has been huge for this team since JJ Redick put him back in the rotation.
Vanderbilt is averaging 6.7 points and 6.1 rebounds over the past seven games with more than half of those rebounds coming on the offensive end. Additionally, he has knocked down a 3-pointer in each of these contests and is shooting 55.6% from deep over this timeframe, albeit on limited attempts. But even still, Vanderbilt being more of a weapon on offense bodes well for his ability to impact the game for the Lakers.
The forward has really committed himself to crashing the offensive glass, which is sorely needed for this team as they have had their offensive struggles. Vanderbilt’s ability to create extra possessions is huge for this team and he has continually found ways to affect the game positively for the Lakers any time he is on the court.
With so many injuries to key role players, the Lakers need the likes of Vanderbilt, Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia and Nick Smith Jr. to step up and give this team the boost they need to come away with victories and turn around this rough stretch.
The Grizzlies provide an excellent opportunity for the Lakers to get back in the win column and Vanderbilt will play a huge role as Memphis recently welcomed back All-Star guard Ja Morant to the lineup. Vanderbilt’s ability to help contain the explosive guard, and overall cause havoc on the court will be welcomed as he is once again proving to be an invaluable piece of this roster.
Jaxson Hayes says Lakers must keep stepping up
Another extremely important role player who brings a ton of energy to the Lakers is big man Jaxson Hayes and the center believes everyone must continue to step up for this team in order to make up for all of the injuries they are dealing with.
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