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The Los Angeles Lakers have hired Dr. Vanessa Brooks as their new head Athletic Trainer, filling the position left vacant by Roger Sancho’s departure to the Phoenix Suns.
Brooks brings a wealth of experience, having spent the last five seasons as both an Athletic Trainer and physical therapist with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Notably, Brooks is the first Black woman to hold dual certification in both professions.
Dr. Brooks’ hiring marks a significant step in the Lakers’ ongoing restructuring of their medical and performance staff. She will work under Dr. Leroy Sims, the team’s new director of player performance, as the organization focuses on improving player health and reducing injuries.
James and Davis, who are getting older, have been injury-prone over the years. In 2023, Gabe Vincent and Jarred Vanderbilt, considered the Lakers' top perimeter defenders, were sidelined for most of the year due to injuries, contributing to the team's early struggles and resulting in them securing only the seventh seed in the Western Conference.
"I’m excited to be part of this organization and continue my work in player health and performance."
She is also one of only two certified Athletic Trainers on the NBA's Emergency Preparedness Committee, helping to craft cardiac, neck, and spine emergency protocols for the league.
Brooks, an alumna of the University of Georgia and Emory University, joins the Lakers at a crucial time. The team, led by new head coach JJ Redick, has faced criticism for the health and performance of its players in recent years.
With the addition of Brooks and Sims, the Lakers aim to address these concerns as they head into training camp this week.
As the Lakers gear up for the 2024 season, fans and players alike are hopeful that this revamped staff will lead to a healthier, more resilient team capable of contending in the highly competitive Western Conference.
