After being sidelined for nearly a year, Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt made his return to the court in Saturday night’s game against the Golden State Warriors. When Vanderbilt subbed in at the 9:30 mark of the second quarter at the Chase Center, it marked his first NBA action since spraining his right midfoot on February 1 during a road win against the Boston Celtics.
“It means everything,” Vanderbilt said of his return. “It’s been a long and tough process. I’m just thankful for the moment, thankful for everybody who was part of it, including my rehab process and the organization for being patient.” The 25-year-old forward had undergone surgery on both feet last May, making this return even more significant for both him and the franchise he signed with.
Vanderbilt’s first minutes on the court saw him join players such as Dorian Finney-Smith, Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, and LeBron James. He made an immediate impact by scoring his first basket back with an offensive rebound and tip-in less than one minute after entering the game.
Despite not being on the floor for almost a full calendar year, Vanderbilt managed to finish with two points, four rebounds, three steals, and two assists within just 12 minutes of play. LeBron James remarked, “Besides his wind, it looked like he didn’t miss a beat. He’s flying around. What he does don’t even always show up in the box score. But to come back and to have three steals and the playmaking, we missed him. So I was happy to have him back.”
Vanderbilt is currently enjoying the first season of his four-year, $48 million contract extension signed with the Lakers last September. Prior to Saturday, he had only played in 30 of 130 games across various competitions since signing, significantly impacting the Lakers' dynamics on the court.
Vanderbilt's absence, combined with other player injuries like Rui Hachimura, forced Coach JJ Redick to adjust his lineup, inserting Finney-Smith, who secured his first start since arriving from the Brooklyn Nets. Redick had confirmed pre-game on Saturday the anticipation of Vanderbilt making his debut, setting up the team for much-needed depth across positions.
“He’ll play,” said Redick prior to the game, highlighting how significant it was to have Vanderbilt return to bolster the team, particularly on defense. The Lakers have struggled to find their rhythm amid injuries, and Vanderbilt's return marked hope for the squad. Backup center Jaxson Hayes added, “His defense is huge. I mean, he’s one of the best defenders in the league. When we have him, it’s just a game-changer.”
While his offense might take time to ramp up, his defensive contributions were evident from his immediate impact. The win against the Warriors, where the Lakers secured victory with a score of 118-108, was no small feat. The return of Vanderbilt is viewed not just as reintegration but as rejuvenation for the Lakers, who aim to climb higher on their prospects within the league.
Looking forward, the Lakers will need to leverage Vanderbilt's skills on both ends of the court. Fans and analysts alike are excited to see how quickly he can regain his previous form, particularly with the post-season looming. His presence signals a positive change, not just for the player but for his teammates who recognize the importance of his defensive prowess and overall game IQ.
With the NBA season progressing, the struggles and triumphs bring to light how player health—especially following significant injuries—can drastically reshape both team strategies and individual careers. The Lakers have fortuitously navigated the challenges presented by injuries, discovering depth through adversity. Mere returnees are not just players stepping back on the court; they can alter the ambitious aims of their franchises during the crunch time of the season.
Vanderbilt's comeback might just define the Lakers' season, emphasizing how agility and perseverance play central roles as teams work to achieve their goals.