Lakers Injury Report: Recently Extended Vet To Sit Out Third Preseason Game

Should we be worried?

Recently re-signed Los Angeles Lakers power forward Jarred Vanderbilt will be shelved for the team's third preseason contest in a row tonight, per Dave McMenamin of ESPN. 

Sources tell McMenamin that the 6'9" big man is dealing with left heel soreness, though the team is apparently optimistic that he will recuperate in time for LA's season opener, an October 24th Western Conference Finals rematch against the reigning champion Denver Nuggets.

Over the summer, Vanderbilt inked a four-year, $48 million contract extension to stick with the Lakers through at least the 2026-27 NBA season, with a player option for 2027-28.

The 24-year-old was productive for the Lakers upon being traded to the team ahead of the February 9th, 2023 deadline from the Utah Jazz, especially defensively. He started in 24 of his 26 regular game appearances with Los Angeles, averaging 7.2 points on 52.9% shooting, 6.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.2 steals per bout. His numbers took a massive dive during the playoffs, however, as opposing clubs capitalized on his offensive shortcomings, daring him to shoot (which he was reluctant to do). 

Across a scant 16.5 minutes a game in 15 playoff contests (13 starts, one health scratch), Vanderbilt averaged 4.6 points on a disastrous-for-a-big 40% field goal conversion rate from the floor, 3.2 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.8 blocks and 0.7 steals per.

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