Update on Jarred Vanderbilt's Return, and are the Lakers Better off with Austin Reaves as a Sixth Man?

The Lakers have played with multiple lineups and juggled multiple players in and out of the lineup thanks to wide range of injuries. But one guy that's been missed, and has proven his value by his absence, is Jared Vanderbilt. And good news! The Lakers said Monday that Vanderbilt's heel injury has healed to the point he can now resume basketball activities and ramp up to a return to game action. How long will that take? Nobody knows! The Lakers didn't say. But while fans surely would have loved a little more info, what the team did say certainly beats the alternative -- that he's still not able to do stuff. So while it could be another week or so before Vanderbilt is available, it's not too early to think about the impact he'll have on the rotation once he's back. For starters, he'll likely eat into some of the available minutes for Cam Reddish, who played excellent basketball in LA's consecutive victories over the weekend. (Reddish, by the way, was nominated for the Western Conference Player of the Week Award, as was Anthony Davis. He didn't win, but a nice nod nonetheless.) What could his return mean for the backcourt rotation of Austin Reaves and D'Angelo Russell, who were a very, very successful combination last season, but have been deep underwater in net rating as a combo this season. Could Vando's return change that dynamic? Or is part of the problem that Dennis Schroder is in Toronto? Could Gabe Vincent's return make a difference, there? Meanwhile, the Lakers have a critical game tonight against the Grizzlies at home, who have struggled mightily and are banged up in ways that make the Lakers look like a paragon of good health and continuity. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers get good news about Jared Vanderbilt. SEGMENT 2: How Vanderbilt's return could impact the rotation. Plus, LeBron in context and a nice nod for Cam Reddish. SEGMENT 3: A big game vs. Memphis. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Betterhelp This episode is sponsored by Betterhelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/lockedonnba today to get 10% off your first month.  Ibotta Download the Ibotta app now and use code locked to get 100% cash back on your Thanksgiving dinner starting November first! Just go to the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE Ibotta app and use code locked.  eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotos.com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Jase Medical Get $20 off these lifesaving antibiotics with Jase Medical by using code LOCKEDON at checkout on jasemedical.com. PrizePicks Go to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100! Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. FanDuel Score early this NFL season with FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook! Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning FIVE DOLLAR MONEYLINE BET! That’s A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – if your team wins! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices