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After losing the first two games of the series, the Los Angeles Lakers finally had a big tailwind, and according to well-known reporter Dave McMenamin, the team's forward Vanderbilt is expected to return in Game 3 of the series. This is undoubtedly a shot in the arm for the Lakers, who are currently in a difficult situation.
Vanderbilt suffered a sprained right foot in a game in February and has been sidelined ever since, though the latest news suggests he has taken off his protective boot and been involved in shooting and defensive drills. Lakers head coach Darvin Ham said in an interview after practice that Vanderbilt has shown a high level in practice and that the team will be keeping a close eye on his right foot condition and physical reflexes to determine when he will return.
In addition to Vanderbilt, the Lakers have also received another positive sign that Wood is also planning to return for Game 3 against the Nuggets. Wood, who averaged 6.9 points and 5.1 rebounds in 50 games in the regular season this season, will further enhance the Lakers' interior depth and rebounding capabilities.
Ham said of Wood's recovery: "He's still going through the process of recovering from injury, he's tall, he's got long arms, he's able to grab rebounds, he's got space on the court, but first we need to make sure he's fully recovered. ”
There is no doubt that the return of Vanderbilt and Wood means a lot for the Lakers. Against a tough opponent like the Nuggets, Coach Ham needs more personnel options and tactical changes, and the return of these two players is just the right thing to do to improve the team's overall depth and enhance the team's tactical options and roster flexibility.
In the case of a big score of 0-2 down, the Lakers have been forced to the edge of the cliff of no return, the return of Vanderbilt and Wood, undoubtedly injected confidence and expectation into the whole team, plus the next two games are at home, with the full support of the home fans, they definitely have a chance to turn the tide and change their fate to equalize the big score of the series.