Lakers Awaiting Vanderbilt’s Return: Knee Fluid Delays Defensive Anchor’s Comeback
The Los Angeles Lakers are eagerly anticipating the return of forward Jarred Vanderbilt, who has been sidelined since last season due to a series of setbacks. Latest reports reveal that Vanderbilt, 25, is facing another delay in his comeback, with fluid detected in his left knee as he works to recover from off-season foot procedures.
This news comes as a blow to the Lakers, who have struggled defensively this season. The team has targeted a return for Vanderbilt in early January, following evaluations by team doctors after the Lakers complete a road trip that concludes with games in Miami on Wednesday and Atlanta on Friday.
"Jarred Vanderbilt has recently experienced fluid in his left knee during rehabilitation procedures,” a statement from the Lakers released to ESPN confirmed. "We anticipate his return sometime in early January.”
Vanderbilt’s absence has been a recurring theme for the Lakers over the past two seasons. After suffering a right midfoot sprain on February 1st, 2024, he missed the remainder of the season. This followed a period sidelined during the previous season due to bursitis in his left heel.
His absence has left a noticeable gap in the Lakers’ defense. As the team’s "lockdown defender", Vanderbilt is tasked with guarding the opposition’s top perimeter players, a role that has proven difficult to fill.
“Jarred was playing some of his best basketball before he hurt his foot last season," said Coach JJ Redick. “He was averaging 10.5 points on 66% shooting, 5.4 rebounds and 2.3 steals over an eight-game stretch. His presence on the court makes a huge difference for us."
Signed to a four-year, $48 million contract extension last September following the Lakers’ Western Conference Finals run, Vanderbilt has frustratingly only appeared in 29 out of 104 games.
The Lakers’ current record of 12-9 reflects their defensive struggles. Ranked 24th in the league with a defensive rating of 116.7 points allowed per 100 possessions, the team’s recent 5 losses in their last 7 games, including a disheartening loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, by a margin of 109-80, highlight the need for Vanderbilt’s return.
Beyond bolstering the defense, Vanderbilt’s comeback would also allow Coach Redick to solidify his rotation and provide the Lakers’ front office with a clearer picture of the team’s needs as trade season approaches.
