Lakers Injury Update: Three Key Big Men Ruled Out, Sparking Trade Speculation

The Lakers have faced challenges this preseason due to an onslaught of injuries. As they approach the 2024-2025 NBA season, the team may be at a disadvantage, potentially missing three key big men on Opening Night.

Which Lakers Players Are Injured?

The Lakers' roster is currently suffering from three major injuries that could impact their ability to win games in the early part of the 2024-2025 NBA season.

Jarred Vanderbilt

According to Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times. Coach JJ Redick stated on Saturday that Vanderbilt (foot) is making progress and is currently in a "ramp-up" phase of his recovery.

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.

Christian Koloko

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.

Koloko is expected to have a limited role this season. However,  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.

Christian Wood

Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reported that Wood underwent a successful arthroscopic surgical procedure on his left knee Monday, September 9, 2024

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.

All things considered, the Lakers will have to play especially smart basketball if they want to compete in the early part of the 2024-2025 season.

Two Players Listed as Day-to-Day

With several players resting or listed as day-to-day due to lingering injuries (or just simple fatigue), the Lakers coaching staff will have to exhibit intelligent time management skills as not to wear out their starters too early the season.

Armel Traore

JJ Redick told the Orange County Register that Traore is expected to be out for "around five games" with swelling in his right hand.

Austin Reeves

Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports that Austin Reaves (ankle) participated in the non-contact part of Saturday's practice and is considered day-to-day moving forward.

The Lakers Are Seeking a New Center

Arguably the biggest weakness on the Los Angeles Lakers’ roster going into the 2024-25 season is their lack of depth in the center position.

The Lakers did not make any moves this offseason to address the center position as both Jaxson Hayes and Christian Wood picked up their player options. They brought in Christian Koloko on a two-way contract, but he has still not been cleared by the league to play after dealing with a serious blood clot issue.

Five Possible Trade Opportunities

The Lakers are lacking depth in the frontcourt behind Davis and Hayes. As Opening Night approaches, they are actively exploring the trade market for potential center upgrades

Jonas Valanciunas

In the 2023-24 season, Valanciunas averaged 12.2 points and 8.9 rebounds per game. He is an efficient scorer who once averaged 20 PPG, gathering double-digit rebounds on a nightly basis. Known for his post-ups, fadeaways, and face-ups, he's also a strong rebounder and an effective low-post scorer.

That said, Valanciunas has defensive limitations. He's struggled to defend near the screen and to change directions when defending against the pick-and-roll.

While he may not be as good a defender as Walker Kessler (next on this list), he's still one of the best available bigs in unrestricted free agency.

Walker Kessler

Despite being in a sophomore slump last season, Kessler is still one of the more promising young players in the league. He's one of the best shot blockers in the league, averaging 2.6 blocks per game and was a first-team All-Rookie last season and a member of Team USA at the FIBA World Cup.

While Kessler excels in many aspects of the game, he's ineffective at supporting his teammates in offensive half-court sets. He averages just 2.2 screen assists per game and generates only 5.2 points per game from the screens he sets. He's also a poor free-throw shooter and has trouble knocking down shots from outside five feet.

Nikola Vucevic

Vucevic has made the All-Star game multiple times and finished fifth in voting for the NBA Most Improved Player Award. In the 2023-2024 season, Vucevic averaged 18 points per game. Vucevic averaged 10.5 rebounds per game last season, recording many double-doubles. Vucevic is a "modern-day big man" who can stretch the floor and knock down shots beyond the arc.

That said, Vucevic has never been considered a great defender. Throughout his 13-year NBA career, he's averaged only one block and one steal per game.

Isaiah Jackson

Jackson's size, strength, and raw athleticism make him an exceptional shot blocker. He excels at closing out on jump shooters and blocking their shots.

Known for his high-energy play style, Jackson is able to get off the ground quickly and, with a 7'5" wingspan, easily shoot over defenders.

Jackson is a solid shot blocker and a notable help defender who covers a lot of ground. In 2018, he finished sixth in the Nike EYBL with 2.5 blocks per game.

On top of being an aggressive offensive rebounder, he's also a reliable finisher with good hands and a solid touch around the basket.

Nick Richards

Blessed with a strong frame and exceptional leaping ability, Richards earned himself the nickname "Big Nick" for being a dominant presence in the paint.

In 2023-2024, Richards had a career-high 9.7 points per game, 8 rebounds per game, and 1.1 blocks per game, while shooting 69.1% from the field.

Richards ranked third in the NBA for field goal percentage among players who took at least five field goal attempts per game.

If the Lakers can nab any of these five big men, they'll have a good chance of making the playoffs this season.

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