Jarred Vanderbilt upgraded to questionable for Game 5 vs. Nuggets
The Lakers could be getting a huge boost as Jarred Vanderbilt has been upgraded to questionable for Game 5 against the Nuggets.
The Lakers could finally be welcoming Jarred Vanderbilt back to the floor. Monday’s injury report before Game 5 in Denver listed Vando as questionable, the first time he’s been listed as anything but out since suffering a midfoot sprain in February.
Christian Wood, who made his return from injury in Game 4, was not listed on the report.
Lakers injury report for Monday’s Game 5: Jarred Vanderbilt upgraded to questionable pic.twitter.com/rKGgtmYhVP
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 28, 2024
Based on initial reporting, Vanderbilt was expected to return to the court in Los Angeles for either Game 3 or Game 4. However, his return was delayed, though it could still come this playoff series.
No matter when it would come, Vanderbilt’s return would provide a huge boost to the Lakers in a number of areas. Defensively, he’s arguably the team’s best player on the perimeter. He’s also a very good rebounder and could help the Lakers in the area they’ve struggled perhaps the most in this series.
But the question will be how much he will be able to play if he returns. And, as we saw with Wood’s return, how much will the Lakers trust him to play if he’s active?
Given how much the likes of Gabe Vincent and Spencer Dinwiddie have struggled off the bench, it feels easier to integrate Vando into the rotation than perhaps was the case with Wood.
His return, though, would be a big mental boost for the Lakers, who do seem to play with a bit more verve and energy when he’s on the court and flying around. If he is able to do that, even in a short spell, it could be a difference-maker for a Lakers team that has had narrow losses throughout this series.
And if Vando is able to return and Murray, who is listed as questionable for the game, misses the contest? Suddenly things feel a whole lot different for both teams in this series.
Hopefully, Vando is able to step on the court and the good vibes keep up for the Lakers, who are looking to bring the series back to Los Angeles after staving off a sweep in Game 4 on Saturday.
You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude.