Watch: JJ Redick offers Jarred Vanderbilt progress update as Lakers forward recovers from injury
JJ Redick believes versatile forward Jarred Vanderbilt is "on track" with his injury recovery to be available at the start of the season. This comes on the back of reports that said the 25-year-old and center Christian Wood will be missing the initial few games of the upcoming season.
The LA Lakers head coach told reporters that Vanderbilt has been following the advised ramp-up protocol, but is yet to participate in any contact practice.
"It remains to be seen if he'll be available, but no setbacks and he just continues to work his way back."
Jarred Vanderbilt joined the Lakers in 2023 as part of a three-team trade that sent Russell Westbrook to Utah. He enters the third and final year of his $48 million contract with LA this season. Last edition, he was limited to 29 games averaging 5.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists while shooting 51.8% from the field.
JJ Redick outlines defensive plans catered to Jarred Vanderbilt
Earlier this summer, JJ Redick labeled Jarred Vanderbilt as one of the energy shifters capable of making a massive impact at any stretch in the game. In the same presser with the reporters, he also added that there was a defensive plan in place catered to Vanderbilt upon his return.
According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, he later spoke of having a zone defensive package that the Lakers will field when Vanderbilt takes the floor. While there's not much to go on about what kind of strategy the former NBA sharpshooter has in store for his power forward, it's interesting to see what they do on the end considering the Kentucky product is a vital cog in the Lakers' defense and increases their ceiling on that side of the floor.
The Lakers have looked impressive in their three preseason games so far. Redick's new-and-improved offense has shown that LA has the necessary firepower to punch their weight, and while their 1-2 record in the preseason indicates otherwise, they have shown promise and potential with their new coach at the helm.
LA and Jarred Vanderbilt will hope that the PF can get back on the floor at the earliest. With a lack of depth on the defensive front, the Lakers will rely on their supercharged offense to tide them over and notch up wins until the health of some of their key players improves. LA takes on the Minnesota Timberwolves on opening night on Oct. 22.