Lakers Rumors: Jarred Vanderbilt Eyeing Return from Foot Injury in Game 3 vs. Nuggets

Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt is eyeing a return as early as Game 3 of the first-round series against the Denver Nuggets, per ESPN's Dave McMenamin.

Vanderbilt has been out since Feb. 1 with a right midfoot sprain.

In 29 games this year, Vanderbilt has put up 5.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game while playing 20 minutes off the bench.

According to McMenamin, Vanderbilt has been gearing up for a return in recent weeks and participated in "one of his most intense workouts" on Monday. Vanderbilt's return will depend on how his body responds in practice ahead of Game 3 on Thursday.

While Vanderbilt wouldn't be much of a scoring threat against the Nuggets, his defense could play a big role as the Lakers look to upset the No. 2 seed. Vanderbilt averages 1.2 steals per game and would provide some height in the paint for Los Angeles' second unit.

Vanderbilt's potential return comes as Christian Wood, who has been out since Feb. 14 and underwent arthroscopic surgery on March 19, is reportedly set to make a Game 3 return. Wood, like Vanderbilt, isn't a main scoring option for the Lakers but provides valuable defense and size to the frontcourt.

Los Angeles' frontcourt has lacked depth without Vanderbilt and Wood, and getting the two back would be huge in a tough series.

The Lakers dropped Game 1 to the Nuggets after a third-quarter collapse and are looking to even things up on Monday night before returning home for Game 3.