The news surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers injuries to multiple key role players is becoming strange as multiple insiders are reporting players may be out for the season while others state the players may be on the court by next week. Here’s the breakdown of all the recent reports on the Lakers injuries.
CBS Sports NBA Insider Bill Reiter Report
CBS Sports NBA Insider Bill Reiter reported early today that the Los Angeles Lakers expect Christian Wood and Gabe Vincent to miss the remainder of the season while Jarred Vanderbilt has a chance to, but “the expectation is that will not happen.”
Sources tell @CBSSports that Los Angeles Lakers players Christian Wood, Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent will miss the rest of the season. While Vanderbilt still could return, sources say, the expectation is that will not happen. @espn first reported the news on Wood.
— Bill Reiter (@sportsreiter) March 19, 2024
This recent report goes against Lakers head coach Darvin Ham’s most recent statements that came before the Laker’s 136-105 win over Atlanta. “Gabe is coming along according to plan. We should be getting Cam back pretty soon here. As we start to get those guys back and what they bring to our basketball team, just the intangibles. People talk about making shots, and obviously, you have to get stops, but those guys’ ability to get us extra possessions, whether it’s steals, deflections that turn into turnovers, or their ability to get offensive rebounds and secure defensive rebounds, is much-needed. So that will be a welcomed addition to get those guys healthy.”
Lakers Gabe Vincent Returning or Out for Season
Gabe Vincent close to returning 👀 pic.twitter.com/kVDyd5MWoU
— Lakers Lead (@LakersLead) March 15, 2024
The Lakers’ significant offseason acquisition, Gabe Vincent, has had a devastating season, only playing five games since going out in December. ESPN’s Marc Stein reported that Gabe Vincent “intends to play again this season barring any setbacks” after a successful arthroscopic knee surgery in late December. This goes against the earlier report by CBS Sports.
It’s looking like Gabe Vincent could FINALLY return in about a week, according to Shams Charania 👀 pic.twitter.com/JlisDWut0N
— 𝐉𝐚𝐤𝐞 (@SixthManJake) March 11, 2024
Many have speculated that Gabe Vincent was progressing well and could potentially have been returning to the court after being seen in a practice uniform working with Lakers forward Rui Hachimura on March 15th. Shams Charania, on Run it Back from FanDuel TV, reported that Gabe Vincent could return as soon as next week after finally reaching the point where he’s progressing to conditioning and ramping up on the floor activities.
Los Angeles Lakers Other Injuries Going Forward
LAKERS MEDICAL UPDATE
Lakers forward/center Christian Wood underwent a successful arthroscopic surgical procedure on his left knee today. The procedure was performed by Dr. Kristofer J. Jones at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. Further updates will be provided as appropriate.
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 19, 2024
Jarred Vanderbilt, who is arguably the Los Angeles Lakers best perimeter defender, has been sidelined due to a meniscus injury suffered at the start of February and has had both reports stating he could return before the end of the season and others saying he is now likely done for the year in, per The Athletic’s Jovan Buha. A knee issue has hindered Christian Wood since February 14th. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski recently reported that the Lakers’ backup center will undergo arthroscopic left knee surgery, which will keep him sidelined for the rest of the season.
Reporting on ABC NBA Countdown on Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt’s “significant” foot injury and concern he’s lost for season: pic.twitter.com/onCOWnna4c
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 4, 2024
With the blowout win against Atlanta, the Lakers improved to 37-32 on the season, jumping back ahead of the Golden State Warriors for the 9th seed in a tight Western Conference race. The banged-up Lakers will have three days of rest before taking on the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday.
For More NBA News and Rumors
For more great content follow me on Facebook Bennett Ervin and on X/Twitter @BennettErvin8 To view more great stories featuring the NBA or College Hoops click this link.
