While LeBron James and Anthony Davis have been reasonably healthy, the Los Angeles Lakers have struggled with injuries throughout the season, as many other important role players have not.
The two most effective perimeter defenders for the Lakers, Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent, have missed much of the season due to foot and knee ailments, respectively.
The Lakers are running out of time to get both players back in time for the Play-In Tournament and postseason. Although head coach Darvin Ham has insisted that everything is going according to plan, neither has shown any clear indications that they are very close to making a comeback. And it will require some time until they are allowed to return.
In any case, both are undoubtedly making every effort to be available for the Lakers at some time during the season. Jovan Buha of The Athletic, however, believes that Vanderbilt has a better chance of making a comeback than Vincent does:
In any case, both are undoubtedly making every effort to be available for the Lakers at some time during the season. However, Jovan Buha of The Athletic claims that Vanderbilt is more of a vital defensive player for the Lakers, capable of both hustle plays and guarding players 1–5.
Vincent, on the other hand, was the Lakers’ major offseason addition and their mid-level exception. He was brought in to bring timely shooting and a similar skill set. Since Vincent has only been able to participate in five games this season, Vanderbilt is unquestionably the better choice if just one of them is able to make a comeback because of the continuity and chemistry he has already established with tthe remaining Lakers players.more likely than Vincent that Vanderbilt will be able to return:
