The Los Angeles Lakers are facing mounting injury concerns as they continue to integrate newly acquired players Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt into their lineup. Head coach Darvin Ham expressed worry about the health status of both forwards following their win against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night.

Hachimura, who was traded from the Washington Wizards last month, suffered a sprained ankle during the game. He had to leave in the third quarter and did not return. Ham reported that X-rays came back negative, but Hachimura’s ankle was swollen. The team will monitor him day-to-day.

Vanderbilt, obtained in a trade with the Utah Jazz, has been dealing with a nagging left adductor strain. He played through the injury against Portland, but Ham noticed he was hampered by it. Vanderbilt’s movement was clearly limited as he failed to record a rebound for the first time this season.

The Lakers are depending on Hachimura and Vanderbilt to bolster their wing defense and rebounding. When healthy, the duo adds much-needed athleticism and versatility to the rotation. But their recent injuries present a challenge as the team fights to rise up the Western Conference standings.

Ham emphasized that the Lakers will be cautious and patient given the long season ahead. “We just want to be intelligent about it, not putting them in a position where it can worsen,” he said. The team’s strength staff will monitor Hachimura and Vanderbilt closely over the coming days.

Getting the new acquisitions fully healthy is a priority for Los Angeles as the playoffs approach. The Lakers need all hands on deck to secure a top seed and make a deep postseason run. How soon Hachimura and Vanderbilt can return to full strength will be crucial in determining this talented team’s ceiling.