Sounds like it’s coming and that is welcome news. Firstly, the issues we have are as much from energy and heart as anything else, feel free to nit pick The Vandolorian’s skillset but the energy he plays with is undeniable. Our other issues stem from defense, specifically transition defense. Another energy/hustle stat that Vando can impact positively.
I’m not trying to frame this as him returning and saving the season but he gives us a another rotation-worthy player that we can see how he fits in alongside a newly aggressive and empowered Austin Reaves, how he combines defensively with AD, DFS and Max Christie and another option at the 3/4 to go along with Rui, DFS and LeBron.
Weird to see him return faster than Wood who simply may be toast at this point if he can’t get his knee right. Seems to take a step back every time he ramps up from what was supposed to be a fairly minor injury. It would be nice to see if he could supplant Hayes as the first center off the bench rather than send out assets for a backup big who likely won’t play in the playoffs all that much.
Lakers Injury Update: JJ Redick Calls Jarred Vanderbilt’s Return ‘Imminent’
Oh wow, good news!
Fingers crossed. We could sure use Vando if he can get back to where he was before he got hurt again last season.