Lakers’ Jarred Vanderbilt targeting season opener for return
EL SEGUNDO — Despite not doing any contact work or participating in non-contact practice drills, Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt continues to follow the Lakers’ ramp-up process with the hopes of being available for the beginning of the regular season.
Vanderbilt had surgery on both his feet in May after missing the final couple of months of the 2023-24 season.
General Manager Rob Pelinka said on Sept. 25 that there was “a lot of optimism” that Vanderbilt would be available when the Lakers kick off the regular season against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 22 – a week away from this upcoming Tuesday.
Coach JJ Redick said after Saturday’s practice that Vanderbilt hasn’t had any setbacks and that the 6-foot-8 forward being available for the start of the season remains the hope.
“He’s following our ramp-up protocol,” Redick said. “He has not done any contact work. He has not participated in any non-contact practice. But we’re still trying to target the beginning of the season.
Redick added: “Our ramp-up process, we’re on, sort of, target. So, it remains to be seen if he’ll be available. But no setbacks. And he just continues to work his way back.”
Vanderbilt, who is in the first season of a four-year, $48 million contract extension he signed with the Lakers last year, has been a significant presence defensively since arriving in L.A. ahead of the 2023 trade deadline.
Redick is looking forward to utilizing his defensive skillset.
“We’ve had some fun with one of our zones,” Redick said. “We haven’t practiced it, but we’ve used it in a game a couple [of] times. We have another version of a zone that features [Vanderbilt]. I’m looking forward to experimenting with that. Probably won’t get to experiment with it in the preseason.
“A lot of the stuff that we’re emphasizing in terms of crashing, being disruptive and physical on defense, picking guys up full court, our switching groups – he’s going to do a lot of good things for us. And even with Cam [Reddish] being back, you see someone who has size and length. A bigger wing that can do some things defensively, that’s exciting. So to have two of those guys potentially in the lineup, is really helpful.”
REAVES UPDATE
Austin Reaves, who sat out Thursday’s preseason victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, is day to day because of right ankle soreness, Redick said.
Reaves participated in the non-contact part of Saturday’s practice and was going through shooting drills during the portion of post-practice that was open to the media.
He appeared to be wearing a brace over the ankle.
Redick said Reaves’ status for Tuesday’s exhibition against the Golden State Warriors in Las Vegas hasn’t been determined.
Two-way forward Armel Traore, who was seen wearing a brace over his right hand Saturday, will “probably be out” for five days with swelling in his shooting hand.
OLIVARI’S TIME
Quincy Olivari, the undrafted Exhibit 10 contract signee who Redick said “completely changed the game” against the Bucks, could be rewarded with more playing time after his performance Thursday.
Olivari finished with 11 points, including three 3-pointers, and five rebounds in nine minutes against Milwaukee, sparking the team’s 20-0 run and comeback win.
“Probably a little bit of that depends on if Austin plays or not,” Redick responded when asked whether Olivari will play more against the Warriors. “That’s something we’ll start talking about Monday night.
“The biggest thing for him is to be the same guy he’s been for 95% of the time, which is high energy, high spirit, doing the things we asked him to do. He’s very receptive to coaching. I’m just happy for the kid to have a night like that. It helps build your confidence that you belong. We think he belongs and has a chance to be a NBA player.”