Lakers provide updates on Max Christie, Gabe Vincent, and Jarred Vanderbilt’s injuries.
The Los Angeles Lakers declared that following the All-Star break, Max Christie, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Gabe Vincent will all undergo new assessments.
Of the three players, Christie had an ankle injury most recently. This week’s games against the Utah Jazz and Detroit Pistons will not include any of the three players.
With three injured players coming back from the break, the Lakers are undoubtedly hoping for some positive news, but they did enhance their guard rotation by adding Spencer Dinwiddie via a buyout.
Before being bought out and becoming a free agent, Dinwiddie was dealt by the Brooklyn Nets to the Toronto Raptors during the trade deadline.
Due to a knee injury, Vincent has only played in five games this season. With Dinwiddie, the Lakers have some much-needed insurance at the guard position. In the latter part of the 2023–24 campaign, the seasoned guard provides the squad with additional ball-handling alternatives.
Despite having knee surgery this season, the organization seems to be holding out hope that Vincent will be able to rejoin the starting lineup. The Lakers would have a lot of depth in their backcourt if Vincent returns.
Christie has benefited greatly from the recent injuries, as he spent a significant portion of the 2023–24 campaign in head coach Darvin Ham’s rotation.
This season, the former second-round pick is shooting 35.6 percent from beyond the arc and averaging 5.0 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.0 assist per game. Christie has played in 43 games for the Lakers, but his injured ankle prevented him from playing in the team’s most recent victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.
After missing the first few games of the season due to a heel ailment, Vanderbilt was hurt during the team’s victory over the Boston Celtics on February 1. He hasn’t participated in any games since.
Vanderbilt is one of the finest defenders on the Los Angeles squad, so having him back sometime this season would be very beneficial, especially if the club makes the playoffs.
Since joining Los Angeles at the trade deadline of the previous season, Vanderbilt has been assigned to several important defensive responsibilities.
The Lakers are presently ranked ninth in the Western Conference, but if they can regain full health, they will surely be able to play to a higher level this season.
For the time being, Lakers supporters will have to wait and hope that after the All-Star break, all three players will be well.
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