THE the Los Angeles Lakers managed to obtain their first victory of the season Thursday, but it wasn’t exactly easy. Facing Phoenix Sunsthey had to overcome 39 points of Kevin Durant and a 12-point deficit early in the fourth quarter to be victorious.
In the fourth quarter, Los Angeles finally got the clamps on Durant thanks to some high-level defense from Anthony Davis And, of all people, Christian Wood. However, someone was missing from this defensive equation: Jared Vanderbilt.
Vanderbilt, who emerged as the Lakers’ defensive ace during last season, has been out since the start of the preseason due to a left heel ailment. He was re-evaluated Thursday and it was determined he will need to be out for at least two more weeks.
Jarred Vanderbilt will be re-evaluated in two weeks, Lakers say. He still suffers from bursitis in his left heel.
– Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 27, 2023
According to Dave McMenamin, however, the Lakers said he was improving.
Vanderbilt was re-examined Thursday and team doctors determined his condition was “improving,” according to the Lakers. https://t.co/zgixGilZE4
– Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 27, 2023
Vanderbilt can be an offensive liability at times, but its defensive efficiency, versatility and energy were valuable to Los Angeles as it advanced to the Western Conference Finals in the spring of 2023.
For now, newcomer Prince Tauruswho was red-hot in the team’s season opener against the Denver Nuggets but he remained scoreless on Thursday, is the starter at small forward.
