Jarred Vanderbilt could've suffered a season ending injury

Without making any move before the NBA trade deadline; and with the injury of Jarred Vanderbilt, one of the team's best defenders, Los Angeles Lakers' future isn't looking bright.

What initially appeared to be a three- or four-week absence after he suffered a foot injury during the Lakers' game against the Boston Celtics on Feb. 2, it now seems more complicated. According to The Athletic, there is pessimism within the LA franchise regarding Vanderbilt's time out, they believe that he'll miss the remainder of the season.

Jarred Vanderbilt is an elite defender in the NBA, and his contribution in Los Angeles Lakers goes far beyond the classic statistics (he averages 5.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game). His importance in the defense of Darvin Ham's team is paramount, and losing someone of his qualities, even more so after not having signed anyone in the Trade Deadline, scares Lakers fans.

The Lakers lost their last game last night, where they faced Denver Nuggets, which caused them to currently find themselves with a 27-26 record and 9th in a Western Conference that is getting tighter and tighter. The Lakers are going to have to suffer, just as they did last season, to be a playoff team.