{"id":12214,"date":"2024-10-14T07:36:28","date_gmt":"2024-10-14T07:36:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.drinkfood.info\/?p=12214"},"modified":"2024-10-14T07:36:28","modified_gmt":"2024-10-14T07:36:28","slug":"breaking-lakers-have-ruled-out-three-key-big-men-due-to-injuries","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.drinkfood.info\/?p=12214","title":{"rendered":"BREAKING: Lakers have ruled out three key big men due to injuries."},"content":{"rendered":"

The Lakers have faced challenges this preseason due to an onslaught of injuries. As they approach the 2024-2025\u00a0NBA\u00a0season, the team may be at a disadvantage, potentially missing three key big men on Opening Night.<\/p>\n

Which Lakers Players Are Injured?<\/h2>\n

The Lakers’ roster is\u00a0currently suffering from three major injuries\u00a0that could impact their ability to win games in the early part of the 2024-2025 NBA season.<\/p>\n

Jarred Vanderbilt<\/h3>\n

According to Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times.\u00a0Coach JJ Redick stated on Saturday that\u00a0Vanderbilt (foot) is making progress and is currently in a “ramp-up” phase of his recovery.<\/p>\n

Vanderbilt underwent procedures on both feet during the offseason. While it’s been reported that his rehab process is going well, the team will need to monitor how his condition evolves throughout the preseason.<\/p>\n

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Center Christian Koloko (35) warms up before game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum.<\/p>\n

Benny Sieu-Imagn Images<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Christian Koloko<\/h3>\n

According to Khobi Price of The Orange County Register, General Manager Rob Pelinka expressed optimism that Koloko (illness) will be cleared to play for Opening Night against the Timberwolves on October 22.<\/p>\n

Koloko is expected to have a limited role this season. However,\u00a0 he may receive some impactful opportunities early on. This year, he has faced challenges with blood clots as well as respiratory issues. My prediction is that, even if Koloko is healthy enough to play on Opening Night, the Lakers will need to take extra precautions to avoid overworking him.<\/p>\n

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Feb 13, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Christian Wood (35) drives past Detroit Pistons guard Marcus Sasser (25) and guard Troy Brown, Jr. in the first half at Crypto.com Arena.<\/p>\n

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Christian Wood<\/h3>\n

Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reported that Wood underwent a successful arthroscopic surgical procedure on his left knee Monday,\u00a0September 9, 2024<\/p>\n

Knee injuries in basketball are particularly concerning because they often lead to declines in players’ statistics, including lower rebound rates and points per game. Reduced mobility makes it challenging to drive to the hoop, gain an edge over defenders, and pivot for separation. A compromised knee will also increase Wood’s injury risk when playing aggressively in the paint and taking fouls. Additionally, this injury is likely to limit his average minutes played, which could place extra pressure on the starters.<\/p>\n