"Championship run starts now" - NBA fans thrilled as Jarred Vanderbilt & Bronny James return on Lakers from G League

It appears that Jarred Vanderbilt is making his return to the LA Lakers' main roster. Lakers Nation's Trevor Lane reported on Sunday that the forward is being recalled from the team's G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. Also set to return to the Lakers' main squad is Bronny James, who typically transitions from South Bay to LA.

Fans on social media were delighted to find out about the news of Jarred Vanderbilt making his return. Here are some reactions on X, formerly Twitter:

"Championship Run starts now, bookmark it"

"Can’t wait to see what Vando looks like in his return"

"And when you’re hurt and recovering you basically taking alot of jump shots you never know vando shot might got better who knows. Let’s go we got are lockdown back 🫡," one tweeted.

Here are other reactions on X:

"I know it's not gonna happen but Vando getting back just in time for the clippers would be pretty sweet," one said.

"Vando back soon 👀," another tweeted.

"MY DEMON BACK???" one asked, referencing Vando's nickname.

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Jarred Vanderbilt's injury timeline

Jarred Vanderbilt has been out of action since the 2023-24 season due to multiple foot injuries. At the beginning of the 2023-24 season, Vanderbilt missed the first 20 games due to bursitis in his left heel. He then recovered and played until February 2024.

Unfortunately for him, his right foot gave out as he sprained it, which ultimately resulted in him missing the remainder of the season. This hurt the LA Lakers considering how Vando's defense solidified their paint to help Anthony Davis secure the ball.

Come May 2024, Jarred Vanderbilt underwent surgery on both of his feet. Since then, Vanderbilt has been undergoing physical therapy and relearning how to use his newly surgically repaired feet. Fast forward to this January, it appears that Vando is close to being ready for basketball action again.

The Lakers assigned Vanderbilt to the G League a couple of weeks ago, but he hasn't seen game action for the team. Last week, JJ Redick spoke about Vando's progress in the G League.

“There’s still a few progressions to ultimately return to an NBA game,” Redick said per Silver Screen and Roll. “He had an off day yesterday. Today was a lighter day, and then we’re going to ramp it back up and that’s difficult right now with the G League traveling…and then our guys are going to play every other day, so we’re not going to have any live action in practice."

Redick added that he hoped Vanderbilt would be back "soon" but did not specify a particular date.