The foot issue that sidelined Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt for most of last season may not have improved during the summer, analyst Mike Bresnahan said on Spectrum SportsNet’s “Lakeshow” podcast (hat tip to Lakers Nation). Vanderbilt, who became the team’s starting power forward after being acquired at the 2023 trade deadline, was limited to 29 games last season and didn’t play at all after February 1.
“Vando is gonna be interesting,” Bresnahan said. “I’m not sure he’ll be ready for training camp or even for the preseason games. It’s a foot injury. He opted not to have a procedure in-season when he got hurt in February. So we’ll see if he’s ready to go. I don’t have a lot of details on it but I’m not sure he’ll be ready for training camp. Regular season is a different story, hopefully he’s ready by then. But nothing concrete on him yet.”
Vanderbilt suffered a right midfoot sprain midway through the season and was never able to return. He received medical clearance for the final game of L.A.’s playoff series, but didn’t see any action.
The Lakers invested heavily in Vanderbilt last summer, signing him to a four-year, $48MM extension. They were counting on an offseason of rest to fix the problems with his foot, but it sounds like that didn’t go as planned. Vanderbilt was used mostly in a reserve role last season, contributing 5.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 20 minutes per night.
There’s more from the Pacific Division:
- On the latest episode of “The Shop” podcast, LeBron James talks about the thrill of being the first NBA player ever to team up with his son (hat tip to Silver Screen and Roll). The Lakers took Bronny James with a second-round pick after one season at USC. “I am so excited for training camp,” LeBron said. “Having your son work with you, it’s like the greatest thing. I can’t wait for this moment. I really cannot wait to hit the floor for him. It’s going to be pretty surreal for me. That might be the first time I sit back and, like, out of my whole career, finally get an opportunity to sit back and be like, ‘Oh s–t, this is really cool.’”
- The Clippers are receiving $750K to hold training camp and an exhibition game in Honolulu, according to Duane Shimogawa of Island News. He cites public records showing that the Hawaiian Tourism Authority will receive several marketing opportunities with the team and will be named an official partner of the L.A. Clippers. In addition, Clippers officials will conduct several community events during camp, which begins October 1 and wraps up with a game against the Warriors October 5.
- Brendan Sabean, general manager of the G League’s newest team, the Valley Suns, talks to PHNX Sports about the challenges of trying to assemble a roster from scratch.
So as with any rookie who doesn’t make the right play every time, and as with every rookie who makes mistakes, it seems like LeBron will instead be biting his tongue a lot this year.
And if he is the goat, wouldn’t you expect him to be extremely demanding on his teammates like Kobe and Jordan were?
Was LeBron demanding of his teammates previously? I know he screams at the refs, but does he get after his teammates as well?
Well it won’t be the case this year. His son will make the mistakes and LeBron will be guiding him gently with a soft word I’m sure.
It’s not going to be the most ideal situation for the Lakers if a double standard exists for the Young guys. Would be tough all around and that’ll make it even more difficult to win.
So unfortunately we’re Writing off this season as entertainment and Nostalgia instead of a championship run?
Basically…
“Celebrate the nepo baby!!!”
If you like red it is that time again anyway…
Lebron will still be very demanding and vocal when Bronny makes mistakes. The difference is it will be directed at teammates criticizing his son.
This Bronny thing has reminded me that basketball is just entertainment and becoming more and more like a soap opera every day.
Just here to observe the Steph Curry man love (possibly boy love).
This will get down right creepy from the Warriors cult like posters lol.
I’m out….cringe worthy from a far, enjoy lol.
Decent point. I’m almost with you on that, but its reached a point to where I’m having a tough time reading some of it.
But I seriously do think the Lakers situation, Locker room, game results, Etc, will result in a pretty entertaining circus.
Scream at the teammates, scream at the boy, scream at the refs? Where do you draw the line? That will be something cringe worthy to observe from afar.
I do think it’s not fair to coaches and teammates that we’re writing off this year as entertainment rather than pursuing a championship.
That’s unless of course Bronny shows up for only a week and is then sent to the G League and things can be back to normal in LA.
Was he even mentioned in this story?
No but he likely refers to the Curry lovers who are anti- LeBron/Lakers and speak on it upon occasion. Just my guess.
nah he is just a warrior hater watching all the success the warriors has had and just jealous his team has done nothing during that time.
Don’t be so hard on Curry fans. A lot of them just graduated high school last year if they still aren’t in middle school or high school. A lot of the Warriors fanbase is clearly young and doesn’t know basketball even existed before 2014.
Now that is funny since his jersey was the top selling one in the last 10 years. I understand all the hate you have for him since he been destroying your team that last 14 years.
James will be dealt to the Warriors next season. Bronny might get intetest from a foreign land.
Bron Bron Bron blah blah blah The things to look forward to for Lakers fans are:
Dalton Knecht
Watching Austin Reeves play
Seeing Lebron and AD healthy
Making playoffs and losing first round