The remarkable size of the Los Angeles Lakers was anticipated to be one of their features going into the 2023–24 NBA season. Even though forward Jarred Vanderbilt is out with a heel bursitis, he was supposed to play a role in that equation. It was Vanderbilt’s absence that was most noticeable in their sloppy 3-5 start.

The Lakers’ shot-making and ability to compensate for Vanderbilt’s absence have been major factors in their five-game winning streak. In the first eight games of the season, the Lakers’ rebounding percentage was 47.5%, which is the worst it has been all season. It was the 24th best in the NBA. Their rebounding percentage in their past six games is 51.5%, which ranks them 10th in the league.

They intend to play that way this year. That’s where the Lakers should find their season-defining rhythm once Vanderbilt returns, which is imminent as he gets in fitness.

“I don’t think most people understand how valuable Jarred Vanderbilt is to what they want to do,” said a coach from the Western Conference, according to Heavy Sports. No one can ever take LeBron James’ or Anthony Davis’ position. Once they’re gone, you may essentially replace everyone on that squad. Your tenacity, effort, defensive prowess, and ability to pull down rebounds are irreplaceable, Jarred Vanderbilt. And when you speak to those on that squad, they insist that they must release him.

Vanderbilt Jarred Readying for the Return of the Lakers

Soon, the unleashing will take place. A week has passed in preparation for Jarred Vanderbilt’s homecoming. Vanderbilt is a 6-foot-9 forward with a lot of versatility; he can defend different spots and grab rebounds, but he isn’t a huge scorer. Following his trade deadline acquisition from Utah, he averaged 24.0 minutes per game, 7.2 points, and 6.7 rebounds for the Lakers.

By extending Vanderbilt’s contract by four years and $48 million, the Lakers validated his worth this summer.

Since Vanderbilt was unable to accomplish anything due to the heel ailment, getting him back on the court is hard.

Coach Darvin Ham told reporters last week that Jarred Vanderbilt’s lack of contact is the biggest issue because he has been required to conduct stationary drills alone for so long. His routine consists of low-impact training and basketball drills, and he is gradually building up to them. And it will be interesting to watch his recovery process on a daily basis.

“So it’s great that he was given the go-ahead to start working out more aggressively, but it’s a day-to-day thing.”

Alternate Darvin Ham Lineups

Various lineup combinations will become available to Ham upon Jarred Vanderbilt’s comeback. In order to take advantage of their size, the Lakers plan to start with a big lineup and then switch to a five-out system where shooters play every position. They want to play both styles at a high level.

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In 2020, the Lakers won the NBA title thanks to a strategy that worked: they had LeBron James and Anthony Davis, so they just needed good defense and a shot-maker here and there to be even.

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