Jarred Vanderbilt injury update: Latest status of Lakers forward & probable return timeline ahead of game vs Hornets explored

The LA Lakers won't have forward Jarred Vanderbilt for an extended period because of a right midfoot sprain, according to reports. The Lakers are trying to improve their record, and losing Vanderbilt could affect their chances of making it to the postseason. The big man also missed the team's 113-105 win against the New York Knicks on Saturday.

The last time Vanderbilt played was in LA's 114-105 win against the Boston Celtics Thursday. However, he was only limited to 16 minutes and had to exit the game.

You might also be interested in reading this: Jarred Vanderbilt injury update: Lakers star forward's latest foot injury & status for game against Knicks revealed

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Jarred Vanderbilt injury update and latest status for game against Charlotte Hornets

Jarred Vanderbilt will miss up to four weeks due to a foot injury. This means he will miss their game against the Charlotte Hornets tonight. This will be his 23rd missed game of the season.

Vanderbilt's injury is a serious problem for the LA Lakers. Vanderbilt missed the first 20 games of the season because of bursitis in his left heel. In their double-overtime win against the Golden State Warriors in January, he was able to pressure Steph Curry into making tough shots.

Vanderbilt has played 29 games, only starting six. He's averaged 5.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists. Vando has shot 51.8%.

Watch the moment when Vanderbilt injured his foot against the Knicks:

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What is the probable diagnosis of Jarred Vanderbilt's injury?

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Jarred Vanderbilt has been diagnosed with a right midfoot sprain. Although it doesn't appear to be a serious injury, it will require him to miss at least three to four weeks. The Lakers will then re-evaluate his injury.

Rumors about Vanderbilt's injury being season-ending are now ruled out. As long as his injury doesn't get worse, the team will likely have him back before the end of the season.

Even with the news about the severity of his injury, the Lakers are expected to make a move to acquire a versatile wing. The team has looked into potentially trading for Bruce Brown, Dorian Finney-Smith and Royce O’Neale.

The Lakers likely won't trade Vanderbilt, as his defensive tenacity has proven to be valuable. It's more likely that they will trade a young asset by Thursday's deadline to improve their roster. With that, they could have two elite defenders by the time Vanderbilt makes a return.

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