Jarred

Vanderbilt

While there is mutual interest between the Lakers and Kuminga, who is an unrestricted free agent after the Hawks declined his option, the two sides are reportedly far apart on a deal. With the Lakers’ activity at the start of free agency, they’re limited in how much money they can spend to fill their remaining roster spot. In fact, the Lakers would have to shed $20 million to pay Kuminga $10 million annually, and that price tag won’t get the job done. As a result, it’s been reported that the Lakers are interested in a sign-and-trade that would send Jarred Vanderbilt and a 2032 first-round pick to Atlanta. While Vanderbilt offers limited offensive production at best, he is a solid defender. However, his contract combined with a future first-round pick may not be all that appealing to the Hawks. Cleveland is also reportedly interested in Kuminga, but the chase for LeBron James takes priority for the Cavaliers.

Initially questionable, Vanderbilt is back after sitting out Thursday’s Game 2 defeat. He’ll provide added frontcourt depth off the bench but is unlikely to get the run needed to be an impact player for manager in playoff fantasy leagues.

Vanderbilt, who dislocated his right pinky finger during Game 1, did not play in Thursday’s Game 2 defeat. His absence factored into Adou Thiero playing six minutes off the bench, but that was not enough to affect the action on either end of the floor.

Vanderbilt’s dislocated finger, suffered early in Tuesday’s series opener, will keep him on the sidelines for Game 2. His absence removes a versatile defender from the Lakers’ rotation, leaving more minutes off the bench available for Jake LaRavia. Vanderbilt tallied just six minutes in the Game 1 loss.

Vanderbilt dislocated his right pinky finger during the first half of Tuesday’s Game 1 against the Thunder, finishing with six minutes played. While the Lakers haven’t ruled Vanderbilt out yet, he’s listed as doubtful for Thursday’s Game 2. Jaxson Hayes had three points in 16 minutes off the bench in Game 1 and could see similar minutes if Vanderbilt is ruled out.

Vando dislocated the pinky finger on his right hand after smashing it on the backboard in Game 1 on Tuesday, and he left the game early. Apparently, there’s a chance he’ll be able to play through the injury. Just don’t count on him being able to hold a cup of tea with proper etiquette anytime soon.

Vanderbilt was ruled out after injuring his finger during the first half in Game 1 vs. OKC. He had logged just six minutes off the bench, tallying two points and one rebound. Jake LaRavia could potentially see more minutes while Vanderbilt is unavailable.

LaRavia’s injury should be monitored, but it doesn’t sound very serious. If he’s forced to miss Game 3 at Houston, Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt could see increased run.

Hayes will remain sidelined for a fourth straight game, which means the Lakers will turn to Jarred Vanderbilt and Maxi Kleber for the backup center minutes. However, that hasn’t led to much production for either player.

Even with the Lakers still in play for the No. 3 seed in the West heading into the final day of the regular season, they may prioritize giving LeBron some rest, given the workload he has shouldered recently. As for Hayes, he has missed the Lakers’ last three games, resulting in more playing time for Jarred Vanderbilt and Maxi Kleber.