Jarred Vanderbilt of the Lakers exits the preseason game with a left quad contusion
Los Angeles was looking to improve its preseason record faced the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The Lakers won just one of four preseason games. They lost to the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday, 113-104, although Luka Doncic did see action.
Doncic played a game against the Mavericks, his old team. Also absent was LeBron James, who is dealing with a sciatica injury. The Purple and Gold also opted to rest Austin Reaves, DeAndre Ayton and Marcus Smart, among others.
Los Angeles, however, was even more handicapped against Dallas afterward Jarred Vanderbilt was forced out of the game.
“The Lakers say Jared Vanderbilt has a left quad contusion and won’t return for tonight’s preseason game against the Mavs,” ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel reported.
Vanderbilt saw action in the first half, but did not enter the game in the third quarter. He finished with five points, seven rebounds, four assists and one block in 13 minutes.
The 26-year-old forward has struggled to stay healthy during his time with the Lakers. In the last two seasons, he played only 65 games.
While his latest injury doesn’t seem too serious, Los Angeles can’t afford to miss Vanderbilt for multiple games yet again, as he’s arguably the team’s best defender. His length, motor and tenacity they make him a critical cog of the Lakers.
As of this writing, the Mavericks lead the Lakers 91-86 in the fourth quarter.
The Lakers will close out their preseason schedule on Friday against the Sacramento Kings.
2025-10-16 04:41:00
