After an uphill battle to the playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers seek revenge against the Denver Nuggets in the first round. Last year’s sweep in the Western Conference Finals is still fresh in LeBron James and Co.’s memory. And they will take on the defending Champions tomorrow in Game 1 of the highly-anticipated series. Amid the challenge, uncertainty still looms large around the availability of their defensive cog Jarred Vanderbilt.

The Lakers forward has not suited up since February 1 due to a foot injury but is expected to return to action sometime during the series against Denver. However, concerns grew when Vanderbilt was seen wearing a walking boot during Friday’s practice session. Lakers head coach Darvin Ham clarified that Vanderbilt wearing a walking boot is only a “precautionary measure” in his recovery process. That means there has been no setback in his status, and the star defender might make his return to the court in the first round. Unfortunately, Vanderbilt’s return will not be in Saturday’s Game 1 as he has been listed out due to a right midfoot sprain. 

Vanderbilt played only 29 games this season due to injury. But in the brief period he was on the court, the Lakers’ defense was one of the best in the league. He averaged 5.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.2 steals this year. The Lakers need Vando back in the lineup as soon as possible because his availability could be the key to defeating Denver. He played a crucial role in the Lakers’ run to the Western Conference Finals last season. After getting traded to LA in February, Vanderbilt quickly became a defensive anchor for the Purple & Gold. He averaged 4.6 points and 3.2 rebounds in the 2023 playoffs.

Lakers’ size could be an issue against the Denver Nuggets

On most nights, LeBron James and Co. have a distinct size advantage against their opponents. With a highly skilled Big Man in Anthony Davis and a 6’9 mastermind in LeBron James, the Lakers are a tough team to match up against. They also have a tall and highly skilled supporting cast with Rui Hachimura, Taurean Prince, Jaxson Hayes, and more. But LA’s threat gets neutralized when they face the Denver Nuggets. Their size poses little to no problem for the defending Champions when 6’11 Nikola Jokic runs the point for them.

With Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. in the starting lineup, the Nuggets have been a defensive nightmare for the Lakers. LeBron James and Co. did not win a single game against Denver in the regular season and went 0-3 against them. A major reason was because of their lack of size. That is why the Lakers need Vanderbilt in the first round. At 6’8, Vanderbilt provides another big body who can play lockdown defense against Denver’s tall lineup. The Lakers do not want to repeat what happened last season and need all hands on deck to dethrone the Denver Nuggets.

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