The Lakers will be receiving a key boost in the frontcourt this weekend. After nearly a year away from the court, wing Jarred Vanderbilt has the green light to return to action, making his season debut this Saturday against the Golden State Warriors, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Los Angeles Lakers F Jarred Vanderbilt has been medically cleared to make his season debut on Saturday against the Golden State Warriors on ABC, barring any unforeseen setbacks, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/FXP9eP4PhC
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 22, 2025
Key Lakers Forward Cleared to Return After Lengthy Absence
Background
Vanderbilt last played on Feb. 1, 2024, against the Celtics, when he recorded 10 points, seven rebounds, two assists and three steals. A right foot sprain then kept him out for the rest of the season. Vando then underwent two offseason foot surgeries, including the removal of a bone spur in his left foot. Fluid in his left knee, an issue discovered in December, further hindered his rehabilitation process.
Prior to his absence, the former Kentucky forward averaged 5.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.2 steals. He shot 51.8% from the field, 29.6% from three and 66.7% from the free-throw line.
How Vanderbilt Fits into Current Lakers Roster
The Lakers have made a myriad of changes since Vanderbilt last put on a jersey—the biggest being the summertime hiring of JJ Redick. Redick has said that Vanderbilt, known primarily as a ball-stopper, will play a key role in the Lakers’ defensive coverages, going as far as to cater a “zone defensive package” specifically for him.
Aside from new leadership, Vanderbilt also returns to a team with a couple of new faces: former Nets Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, who were acquired via trade last month. Though Milton’s role has fluctuated among the Lakers’ many guards, Finney-Smith has started to fill the 3&D role the team had lacked for a while.
Throwing Vanderbilt into the equation boosts both the Lakers’ bench unit and their defense as a whole. Vando has already displayed a laudable amount of pride on the defensive end, willing to check opposing guards, wings and bigs—including star players. He has also shown tremendous comfortability in a lineup with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, playing his ball-stopping role to a tee when it comes to closing tight contests.
As things stand now, Vanderbilt will likely revert to his backup power forward slot behind Davis, giving the team a needed reinforcement behind AD and his stellar production so far. His play alongside Finney-Smith in particular could give the Lakers a formidable frontcourt duo, with Vanderbilt being more defensive-oriented while DFS balances his workload on both ends of the floor.
While the Lakers still have a ways to go before they’re considered true championship contenders, Vanderbilt’s highly-anticipated return gives them a necessary lift at exactly the right time.
