Following a poor 3-4 stretch, the Lakers finally instilled hope in the fans’ hearts and the King rushed to crush it. Taking on the mighty Boston Celtics on the Rivals Week, LeBron James & Co. decimated the defending champions with a 117-96 win. Coming off the spectacular performance, the LakeShow will face their arch-rivals Warriors on Saturday and JJ Redick seemed all geared up to deploy his trump card for the first time this season. Even before the fans could let that sink in, King James dropped the hammer on it.
We are talking about the Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt. It’s been almost a year since the 25-year-old took the court. In the last season, facing the Celts in February 2024, suffered a mid-foot injury and missed the rest of the season. While he was expected to return for the current season opener, Vando’s recovery from multiple foot surgeries delayed his return.
Moreover, the Lakers also weren’t in any rush to get back on the floor. JJ Redick, speaking of Vanderbilt, said, “This whole process with him has been about the long term and we’re going to continue to be patient,” before delivering news that will echo like divine gospel in fans’ ears. Redick announced that Vando was playing well and would be available for Saturday, “barring any setbacks.” Following this update, reporters rushed to LeBron James, asking how the star forward’s return would help the team.
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While everyone expected James to gleam in happiness, he surprised everyone, saying “We don’t know that. We don’t want to speculate, we have no idea. Maybe available… I think I heard JJ say may be available, doesn’t mean he going to play.” Moreover, he stressed that Vanderbilt will play only when he feels “personally” ready, and until then James won’t be on “that speculation boat”. So, the Bay Area can breathe a little post their commanding win over the Bulls.
How will Vando add value to LeBron James & Co.?
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“Going out there playing hard, playing tough, being physical, being aggressive, being vocal out there, whether it’s rebounding and defending, connective passing, whatever the case may be,” said Vanderbilt amid the positive update around his return. Firstly, let’s look at the Lakers’ long-pending issue.
via Imago Oct 4, 2024; Palm Desert, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3), forward LeBron James (23) and forward Jarred Vanderbilt (2) on the sidelines against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half at Acrisure Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images
For the longest time, the Lakers‘ primary issue has been finding a backup big for Anthony Davis to take the load off his shoulder. While Jarred Vanderbilt isn’t a big center, he’s certainly the best rebounder in the Lakers’ roster after AD and LeBron James. Moreover, apart from his lethal perimeter defense, Vando is the best defender in the paint after AD. So, without a doubt, the star forward’s return will ultimately boost the team’s defensive efforts.
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However, Vando’s defense comes with its own drawback, the star’s poor offense. Coach JJ seemed to have figured that as well, he added, “We’ll rev him up so he’s on the offensive glass. We want to, obviously, use our throw-aheads, throw-acrosses to play in transition. He’ll be great there. And then we’ll just be smart about how we space him and how we get to second actions with him” What do you think? Will the Lakers set the tone for championship aspirations from now on? Let us know in the comments below.
Despite Medical Report, LeBron James Gives Uncertain News On Lakers Forward’s Return As Frustrations Grow In LA
