The Los Angeles Lakers have announced that forward Jarred Vanderbilt will be absent for a minimum of two more weeks.
Vanderbilt, aged 24, was reevaluated by team physicians on Thursday, still grappling with left heel bursitis.
Although he’s making progress, his next medical assessment is scheduled in a fortnight, and the team will issue an update at that time.
Vanderbilt was one of two players acquired by the Lakers from Utah during the 2023 trade deadline, alongside Malik Beasley, while D’Angelo Russell joined from Minnesota in the same three-team trade.
Vanderbilt commenced 24 out of 26 regular-season games for the Lakers during the final stretch, posting averages of 7.2 points and 6.7 rebounds in 24.0 minutes per game.
Despite not being a free agent in the offseason, Vanderbilt secured a substantial four-year, $48 million veteran extension, binding him to the team until at least the 2026/27 season, with a player option for ’27/28.
Vanderbilt had been a prime contender to start in the Lakers’ frontcourt alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis at the beginning of the season, but his injury paved the way for Taurean Prince to seize that starting position.