the Lakers It will start six straight road games with an unfamiliar sight — an almost completely healthy roster.
The team will add a key rotation piece on Saturday with Jared Vanderbilt He was officially cleared and released from the injury report released by the team on Friday afternoon. If he plays, it will be his first appearance of the season.
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“We’re not going to put him out there in any situation where he could get hurt.” Lakers coach JJ Redick said After Vanderbilt was cleared earlier this week. “And we don’t feel that’s the case now. Any player coming back from a long period of time, there will be minutes restrictions. We won’t overuse him.”
Vanderbilt has not played since He suffered a foot injury on February 1, 2024. Vanderbilt tried to make a comeback last season in the postseason, but was unable to get back on the floor before the season The Lakers were eliminated In the first round of the qualifiers.
In the offseason, he underwent surgery on both feet, and while the team hoped he would be available early in the season, Vanderbilt said the recovery took as long as he expected.
“It’s been a process, but I mean, credit to the staff, the guys, everyone in the organization, because you know just being patient and letting me heal and go through that full recovery process,” he said Wednesday. “But yeah, I feel like I’m in a good place now.”
Vanderbilt is a versatile defensive back and power play, and when healthy, should help with some of the Lakers’ issues in those areas.
Only veteran Christian Wood and rarely used sophomore guard Jalen Hood-Schivino are available. Bronnie James He will not be with the Lakers, at least for the beginning of his journey, as he will be playing for the Lakers’ G League team.
