The Los Angeles appeared to enhance on their preseason document as they confronted the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday at T-Cell Area in Las Vegas.
The Lakers have solely gained one in every of their 4 preseason assignments. They’re coming off a loss to the Phoenix Suns, 113-104, on Tuesday, even with Luka Doncic seeing motion.
Doncic sat out their sport towards the Mavericks, his previous workforce. Additionally absent was LeBron James, who’s coping with a sciatica damage. The Purple and Gold additionally opted to relaxation Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton, and Marcus Good, amongst others.
Los Angeles, nevertheless, obtained much more handicapped towards Dallas after Jarred Vanderbilt was pressured to exit the sport.
“Lakers say Jarred Vanderbilt has a left quad contusion and won’t return to tonight’s preseason sport towards the Mavs,” reported ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel.
Vanderbilt noticed motion within the first half however did not enter the sport within the third quarter. He completed with 5 factors, seven rebounds, 4 assists, and one block in 13 minutes.
The 26-year-old ahead has struggled to remain wholesome in his stint with the Lakers. He solely performed 65 video games within the final two seasons.
Whereas his newest damage would not appear too severe, Los Angeles can not afford to overlook Vanderbilt for a number of video games as soon as once more, as he is arguably the workforce’s finest on-ball defender. His size, motor, and doggedness make him a crucial cog of the Lakers.
As of writing, the Mavericks are main the Lakers, 91-86, within the fourth quarter.
The Lakers will shut out their preseason calendar on Friday towards the Sacramento Kings.