Lakers rumors: Injury updates for several key players entering training camp

The 2023-24 Los Angeles Lakers were one of the most commonly mislabeled teams in the NBA. The core five players were generally healthy, all appearing in at least 68 games, which thus resulted in the general consensus being that the team had enough availability from its players to contend if it was capable of it.

The often overlooked piece of information that doomed the Lakers' season, however, was the simple fact that the second unit was depleted by injuries to almost every player it had planned to prioritize.

Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent, who signed contracts with the Lakers in 2023 that added up to $81 million, appeared in a combined 40 games. Christian Wood missed 32 games himself, while Cam Reddish was absent for 34, and 2024 first-round draft pick Jalen Hood-Schifino underwent back surgery late in the season.

According to Dave McMenamin of ESPN, Vanderbilt and Wood are still nursing injuries, but Hood-Schifino, Reddish, and Vincent are back at 100 percent for training camp.

"While Wood underwent surgery last week and Vanderbilt's foot is still not 100%, sources confirmed to ESPN, Vincent, Reddish and Hood-Schifino will be ready to compete for minutes from the start -- giving Redick more options."

After a 2023-24 season during which the second unit was ravaged by injuries, it's an encouraging sign that three potentially crucial reserves are healthy entering training camp.

Hood-Schifino, Reddish, Vincent healthy; Vanderbilt, Wood on the mend

Vanderbilt and Vincent struggling to remain healthy during the 2023-24 season was one of the most devastating blows the team faced. After All-Defensive First Team honoree Anthony Davis, they were considered to be the two best defensive players on the roster.

Vincent also looked the part of the most likely player to occupy the sixth man role after recording six 20-point games during the Miami Heat's run to the 2023 NBA Finals.

Reddish was better than expected on defense, but his availability barely exceeded half the season. Wood is one of the most productive reserves in the NBA, averaging 22.3 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.1 offensive boards, 2.2 assists, 1.3 blocks, 0.9 steals, and 2.0 three-point field goals made per 36 minutes between 2018-19 and 2022-23.

Unfortunately, his impact on the Lakers' second unit was greatly limited by the injuries that cost him 32 games and his general quality of play.

Hood-Schifino is a bit more complicated of a situation to diagnose, as injuries only played so much of a role. He appeared in just 21 games during his rookie season, averaging a mere 5.2 minutes during the opportunities he received.

Hood-Schifino thrived in the G League, however, averaging 22.0 points, 5.5 assists, 4.8 rebounds, 0.8 steals, 0.6 blocks, and 2.3 three-point field goals made on a slash line of .473/.432/.800.

The hope in 2024-25 will be that Vanderbilt and Wood will overcome their injury woes and join their healthy teammates sooner rather than later. Wood will be essential to providing depth along the interior, while Vanderbilt is the best perimeter defender on the roster.

If health permits it, contending could be a more realistic possibility than expected with a second unit that's ready and able to provide stability.