All summer long, Lakers fans have been talking about the value of Jarred Vanderbilt, which was driven home by his inability to stay on the floor last year. With (basically) the same team returning this year, one major spot where the Lakers might generate internal improvement would be having Vanderbilt available again, providing significant optionality for new coach JJ Redick.

Well... maybe not?

Throughout the offseason, it's been noted that there has been precious little in terms of positive updates around Vanderbilt and his injured foot. Nothing of him on the court or working out at the facility. And now the whispers that Vanderbilt's rehab may not be going great have been amplified. Spectrum Sportsnet's Mike Bresnahan noted heading into the weekend that Vanderbilt might not be ready when training camp kicks off in a few weeks.

Vanderbilt, who elected not to have surgery over the summer, could theoretically recover in time for the season to start—and it's not definitive that he'll not be ready for camp —but it's unquestionably distressing to see that he may not be on track. It raises fears that the injury could linger and cause him to miss games. And the Lakers are no better equipped today to deal with his absence than they were a year ago. Any limitation on Vanderbilt's ability to contribute at his full capacity would be a major blow to the team.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Will Jarred Vanderbilt be ready for the season?

SEGMENT 2: What happens if Vando can't go?

SEGMENT 3: Redick not concerned about LeBron, A.D. and the Olympics. And could LeBron go in '28... in another sport?

BetterHelp
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Rediscover your curiosity with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel
Now through September 22nd, ALL FanDuel customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get a THREE WEEK free trial of NFL Sunday Ticket from YouTube and YouTube TV. Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)