Lakers Clear Jarred Vanderbilt for Friday Matchup With Grizzlies
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The Los Angeles Lakers have upgraded forward Jarred Vanderbilt from questionable to available for Friday night’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies, the team announced.
Vanderbilt had been dealing with right leg soreness but will rejoin a rotation that remains thinned by injuries. Austin Reaves (left calf strain), Rui Hachimura (right calf soreness), Gabe Vincent (lumbar back strain) and Adou Thiero (right MCL sprain) are all out.
Since his return to regular minutes last month, Vanderbilt is averaging 6.7 points and 6.1 rebounds over seven games, with more than half of those boards coming on the offensive end. He has made at least one three-pointer in each contest and is shooting 55.6% from deep during that stretch.
Head coach JJ Redick has leaned on the 6-foot-8 forward’s defense, especially on the perimeter. Vanderbilt’s presence will be crucial against Memphis, which recently welcomed All-Star guard Ja Morant back to the lineup.
With several key contributors still sidelined, the Lakers are also counting on Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia and Nick Smith Jr. to help steady a team looking to halt a difficult run of results. Center Jaxson Hayes said the entire roster must “keep stepping up” until the club is closer to full strength.
Source: Lakers Nation
