The news on Jarred Vanderbilt keeps getting worse. The Lakers revealed (via Shams and Dave McMenamin) Tuesday that Vanderbilt, who is yet to play this season, has suffered a setback in his rehab. Not with the surgically operated feet that have kept him out to this point, but with fluid buildup on his left knee. So they'll have to slow down his activity, and he's now targeting early January for a return. That's as good a time as any, but the Lakers shouldn't treat it as any more definitive as any of the other targets he/they have had to this point. Really, they should treat it as if Vanderbilt isn't going to play this season. If he does, great. But realistically, they should be forming plans as if he won't. Because even if Vanderbilt does come back, he won't have played for over a year. Huge chunks of two seasons. The idea Vando could come back and be the best version of himself is unrealistic. And since he's a guy who is most successful relying on activity and athleticism, that's even more reason to assume he'll need time to feel comfortable and round into form. It's certainly not fair for anyone to expect him to just waltz into the lineup and defend at a high level. If there's a part of the Shams/McMenamin report that should feel particularly annoying, it's this: "Beyond bolstering the defense by being called on to guard opponents' top perimeter players, Vanderbilt's absence has prevented new coach JJ Redick from figuring out his ideal rotation. His absence has also prevented the Lakers' front office from fully evaluating the needs of its roster as trade season approaches." Really? Seems to me that "fully" is doing a lot of heavy lifting here. Fine, in the most literal terms his absence has prevented the front office from fully evaluating the needs of its roster as trade season approaches. But it's certainly pretty clear at this point where the team's weaknesses are. It's pretty clear who identify the names that feel available right now, and maybe who will become available as the season goes on. That's not to say Rob Pelinka could go out and make a couple big trades. The Lakers are definitely hamstrung by a variety of circumstances, only some of their own making. But the notion that 20+ games in, Pelinka doesn't have a good idea of what his team needs? Or could really use? Even if it's not laid out meticulously doesn't change that. Which ultimately makes it feel like Pelinka is setting the stage again to do nothing at the deadline or whenever. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Vanderbilt has a setback, and is out until January. SEGMENT 2: ...at least. SEGMENT 3: Where do the Lakers go from here? Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your in box. Sign up for free now, at lockedondaily.com. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNBA and get $50 instantly when you play $5! You don't even need to win to receive the $50 bonus, it's guaranteed! Prizepicks. Run Your Game.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA RobinhoodRobinhood Gold provides the privileges of a high net worth for any net worth. These generous benefits are now available for only $5/month. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. Sign up at robinhood.com/gold. ChimeMake your fall finances a little greener by working towards your financial goals with Chime. Open your account in 2 minutes at chime.com/NBA.Chime. Feels like progress. BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Rediscover your curiosity with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month. GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuelYou can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place a FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET ! Visit FANDUEL.COM 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)