As Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt’s rehab from last season’s foot injury and offseason surgery dragged on longer than expected, fans were growing more pessimistic about the possibility of him returning at some point this season.
But he started to make some steady process in recent weeks, and on Saturday, he finally returned to game action against the Golden State Warriors. He got his feet wet by playing 12 minutes, and he contributed four rebounds, three steals, two points and two assists in a 118-108 Lakers victory.
With a three-game winning streak and five wins in their last six games, the Lakers may be starting to generate some tangible positive momentum, and their outlook seems to be growing brighter. Vanderbilt gives them another rangy defender who also provides energy and can help out on the boards, and they have lacked perimeter defense, rebounding and energy for some time.
Head coach JJ Redick made it clear that he liked what he saw from the 25-year-old forward.
JJ Redick: “Vando was awesome, did all the things that we need him to do. I have a strong sense that he’s been sandbagging over the last 3 weeks just in terms of his intensity level. … We have not seen that in the gym, and it looked like the Vando that we know.”
— Lakers Daily (@LakersDailyCom) January 26, 2025
LeBron James, who had 25 points and 12 assists, including 10 points in the fourth quarter, was also complimentary of Vanderbilt.
LeBron on Vando: “He looked like he didn’t miss a beat. He’s flying around. What he does don’t even show in the box score…3 steals, the playmaking, the assists, offensive rebound, tip-in. … We missed him.”
— Lakers Daily (@LakersDailyCom) January 26, 2025
Guard Austin Reaves commented on how Vanderbilt’s activity will give Los Angeles extra possessions.
Austin Reaves on Vando: “He plays hard every single possession. He’s gonna give us 2nd-chance opportunities. We’re gonna get more steals with him out there because he’s so active. Hell of a defender.”
— Lakers Daily (@LakersDailyCom) January 26, 2025
The Lakers will play their next game on Monday when they visit the Charlotte Hornets in the second game of a six-game road trip. With Rui Hachimura out due to a calf issue, perhaps Vanderbilt will have the opportunity to ramp up his playing time, not to mention his impact on the team, somewhat quickly.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: JJ Redick and Lakers players comment on Jarred Vanderbilt’s return