Andy Kamenetzky here, the host of the daily Locked On Lakers podcast, with your daily Locked On Lakers newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Lakers and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Jarred Vanderbilt Suffers Setback, Won’t Return Until Early January (at Least)
The news on Jarred Vanderbilt keeps getting worse.
The Lakers revealed Tuesday (via Shams and Dave McMenamin at ESPN) that Vanderbilt, who is yet to play this season, has suffered a setback in his rehab. Not with the surgically repaired feet that have kept him out to this point, but because of fluid buildup on his left knee. So they’ll have to slow down his activity, and he’s now targeting early January for a return.
Sure, why not, but the Lakers shouldn’t treat this target as any more definitive than the other targets he/they have had to this point.
Really, they should behave it as if Vanderbilt isn’t going to play this season. If he does, great. Realistically, though, they should be forming plans as if he won’t. Because even if Vanderbilt does come back, he won’t have played for over a year. Huge chunks of two seasons. The idea Vando could come back and be the best version of himself is unrealistic. And since he’s a guy who is most successful relying on activity and athleticism, that’s even more reason to assume he’ll need time to feel comfortable and round into form. It’s certainly not fair for anyone to expect him to just waltz into the lineup and defend at a high level.
If there’s a part of the Shams/McMenamin report that should feel particularly annoying, it’s this: “Beyond bolstering the defense by being called on to guard opponents’ top perimeter players, Vanderbilt’s absence has prevented new coach JJ Redick from figuring out his ideal rotation. His absence has also prevented the Lakers’ front office from fully evaluating the needs of its roster as trade season approaches.”
Really?
Seems that “fully” is doing a lot of heavy lifting here. Yes, in the most literal terms his absence has prevented the front office from fully evaluating the needs of its roster as trade season approaches. But it’s pretty clear where the team’s weaknesses are. It’s pretty clear who identify the names that feel available right now, and maybe who will become available as the season goes on. That’s not to say Rob Pelinka could go out and make a couple big trades. The Lakers are definitely hamstrung by a variety of circumstances, only some of their own making. But the notion that 20+ games in, Pelinka doesn’t have a good idea of what his team needs? Or could really use?
Even if the path forward isn’t laid out meticulously, in bright swaths of total obviousness, the needs (wing defense, backup big, potentially another ball handler, pending D’Angelo Russell’s future in the market). None of that really changes even if Vanderbilt comes back, eventually. Which ultimately makes it feel like Pelinka is setting the stage again to do nothing at the deadline or whenever.
—BK
Overheard On This Episode...
“This is not a re-evaluation in early January, it’s an actual targeting date. So by the standards of how this stuff has been typically relayed, that’s optimistic.”
“This defense switches way too damn much. Like as an automatic scheme, they switch way too often, way too easily.”
“This team is personnel wise worse defensively than last year because the meaningful change that you’ve made in the rotation is swapping out Taurean Prince for Dalton Knecht.”
“It’s hard for me to picture them getting four or five stops in a row. I can picture four or five baskets in a row, but not four or five stops.”
Dec 1, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) attempts to secure the ball away from Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) and guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina/Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
The first thing I saw when I woke up this morning was a clip of Rockets coach, Ime Udoka, stalking toward referee John Goble and subsequently getting himself ejected. Udoka was incensed over the refs not calling a foul on behalf of Alperen Senguin, who drove to the basket through multiple instances of contact (and shoving) from Kings big, Domantas Sabonis.
The next thing I saw was a report that Rockets forward Tari Eason had run up into the stands after the game’s final whistle to confront a fan who heckled him as he was exiting through the tunnel.
As my brain stirred with the smell of coffee and I read about martial law unfolding and quickly thwarted by protestors and the political opposition in South Korea, I toggled my basketball opinion from This seems serious to It’s really not, regarding all the emotions spilling out on-court last night. This is what, by design, the In-Season Tournament was made for.
This part of the NBA season typically saw a taper of audience attention. The piqued interest of the season getting underway wanes, partially due to the predominantly American audience choosing NFL football over mid-week basketball. The NBA’s Christmas Day slate of games sees a viewership spike but otherwise the “stakes” don’t feel compelling to the casual fan until All-Star, and then again as the playoffs approach. Team owners and the Board of Governors panicked and thus: The NBA Cup was introduced.
Domineering corporate interest aside, the happy side effect of the In-Season Tournament has been higher stakes across the board, and not just from prize incentivization for players (though Josh Hart admitting he just wants a watch is also pretty funny). Young teams, teams on the competitive verge, and teams that may have been considered write-offs to start the season have for the most part used their NBA Cup nights as test runways for playing on a bigger stage and at a higher level. It didn’t necessarily work out for all of them (I had high hopes for the Spurs), but a glance at the Cup’s quarter finals bracket reveals a varied and interesting field of teams.
It’s both preposterous and cool that Warriors vs. Rockets is now a potential Western Conference playoff preview, and that the same goes in the East with Bucks vs. Magic. The Hawks and Knicks will be reunited in their rivalry, and the budding friction between the Mavs and Thunder, through the pestering of Luka Doncic by players who’ve all taken a page from his offensive book, is going to be a lot of fun to watch.
Friction, in good competition, is inevitable. It’s also partially the point. Certainly, coaches shouldn’t make a habit of hounding refs around the court but friction and competition, and friction in competition, don’t need to be negatives.
Two great examples of the symbiotic relationship between the two came in last night’s slate of knockout games. First, with the always expressive Draymond Green unable to hide his disdain from the sidelines as Nikola Jokic grabbed his face after coming down from collision under the rim with 14 seconds left in the game. Green was less actually distraught than sporting a classic “I’m not mad, just disappointed” look.
The second came in the chippy, high-intensity Rockets-Thunder match-up, with Dillon Brooks and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander getting tangled up with each other when they both clamped down on the same loose ball. Neither let it go and they both went careening into the Rockets bench, with their teammates swirling behind. It eventually broke up in laughter because neither of them could keep a straight face, having as close a relationship as they do as teammates for Canada Basketball. When the refs swooped in en masse, Brooks and Gilgeous-Alexander assured them they were cool, everything was fine, and the game continued.
These are games that have gone from weeknight skips, better to relive watching through their highlights the next day, to must-see matches. The stakes range from funny to secondarily furious, tense to over-the-top; are stakes that still only exist in the insular world of NBA basketball, but there are stakes. It’s early December, and we have stakes.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Analysis Tari Eason and Amen Thompson’s defensive abilities are unmatched. (Defector)
News LeBron James is in one of the worst outside shooting slumps of his career. Is playing in all 82-games still doable? (ESPN)
Milestone The 4x NBA All-Star and 16 NBA season vet, Paul Millsap, announces retirement. (ESPN)
Honor Anthony Davis is making a strong case for the Defensive Player of the Year award with his stellar performances. His defensive prowess has been a key asset for the Lakers. (Silver Screen and Roll)
Strategy The Lakers are reconsidering the 82-game goal for LeBron James, focusing on what’s best for both him and the team. Read more on LeBron’s new strategy. (CBS Sports)
Preview The Lakers head down south to take on the Heat tonight at 7:30 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
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NBA Fantasy Basketball: Key Takeaways from Tuesday’s Games
Dec 3, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) falls to the ground after rolling his ankle against the San Antonio Spurs in the first half of an NBA Cup game at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas/Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Kevin Durant’s Ankle Injury: What It Means for Fantasy Managers
Kevin Durant’s recent ankle injury is a significant concern for fantasy basketball managers. Durant, who has been a cornerstone for many fantasy teams, left the game after just 16 minutes, scoring 13 points with four rebounds. This re-aggravation of a previous injury could mean time on the sidelines, impacting his availability in the coming weeks. Fantasy managers should consider potential replacements or temporary fill-ins, such as Grayson Allen or Royce O’Neal, who might see increased roles in Durant’s absence. However, neither is a must-add in standard leagues, but they could provide short-term value in deeper formats.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Charlotte Hornets: Player Performances
In the clash between the 76ers and Hornets, Paul George’s resurgence was a highlight. Despite playing 37 minutes, George’s performance—29 points, eight rebounds, and six three-pointers—showed signs of his former All-NBA self. However, with a back-to-back game on the horizon, his availability remains uncertain, making it crucial for fantasy managers to monitor his status closely.
Tyrese Maxey’s shooting struggles continued, but his ability to contribute in other areas, such as free throws and defense, keeps him relevant in fantasy lineups. Meanwhile, Kelly Oubre Jr. delivered a solid outing with 14 points and four three-pointers, making him a viable short-term option.
Charlotte Hornets’ Frontcourt Dynamics
The return of Mark Williams was a notable development, albeit with limited minutes. This situation presents a sell-high opportunity for Nick Richards, who posted an impressive 22 points and 14 rebounds. While there’s a chance Richards could outperform Williams, the Hornets’ long-term plans likely favour Williams, making Richards a potential trade candidate for savvy fantasy managers.
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Lakers Beat Warriors on Last Second Layup from Austin Reaves, Davis Leaves Early with Ankle Injury The Lakers lost Anthony Davis seven minutes into their Christmas Day tilt in San Francisco against the Warriors. Bah humbug, right? Not so fast. The Lakers circled the wagons, and got big performances up and down the roster, using an Austin Reaves bucket with a second left to beat Golden State, 115-113.
Turnovers Kill the Lakers in a 117-114 Loss to Detroit Pistons The Lakers offense has been stuck in the mud for the last few weeks. Monday at the Crypt against Detroit, the Lakers shot 54% from the floor, including 47% from 3-point range. They hit 20 of their 25 free throws, a perfectly solid 80%. The Lakers got a triple-double (28/11/11) from LeBron James. Max Christie chipped in with 17. So why did they ultimately lose 117-114 to the Pistons?
Why the Suddenly Hot Lakers Have a Chance to Rise in the Western Conference An 82-game season can have a ton of ebbs and flows, and often they feel extreme. Certainly that’s been the case for the Lakers, who have followed one of the most inept stretches of team defense with another that has been, quite literally, the league’s best over their last five games. Even more confusing, an offense that was once among the best in the league has totally cratered.
