"Expect Rui in a trade in the next 72 hours" - Lakers fans cook up scenarios as Jarred Vanderbilt's uber-impactful return raises team's ceiling 

Jarred Vanderbilt made an uber-impactful return to the LA Lakers lineup in Saturday's marquee clash against the Golden State Warriors. Vanderbilt played for the first time in 11 months after undergoing surgeries on both his feet in the offseason. Not many expected him to thrive off the bat, but the defensive stalwart instantly raised the team's ceiling.

Playing on a minute restriction, Vanderbilt tallied two points, four rebounds, two assists and three steals on 1 of 2 shots. He had a box +/- of +6, the highest among the bench players. Vanderbilt's activity and disruption were at an all-time high, which helped the Lakers answer the Warriors' runs, especially in the second half.

With Vanderbilt barely taking any time to adjust after such a lengthy injury layoff and raising JJ Redick's team's ceiling, the Lakers fans, who are eagerly pushing for another big trade, started cooking up scenarios ahead of the deadline.

One of the most common ideas on Lakers Twitter was shipping wing Rui Hachimura.

Here's what one fan wrote:

"After seeing how well DFS and Vando are playing together expect Rui in a trade in the next 72 hours"

Another said:

"No reason to keep Rui . Trade him now since vando back and looks good. Rob do your job"

One fan tweeted:

One fan wrote:

"If DFS and Vando playing like this for the rest of the season, I don't mind if we trade Rui. Go get Myles Turner."

"Yeah go ahead and trade Rui man. Vando is 100% back! No need for the samurai. Preciate you but see ya!" another added.

"Trade him for Myles or Walker. Having DFS and Vando together makes Rui the odd man out," one fan said.

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Lakers' trade plans hinged on Jarred Vanderbilt's impact upon return

Jarred Vanderbilt isn't a star or the offensive engine of the Lakers. Yet, the Lakers have felt his absence more than any other role player. Vanderbilt has been one of the players who is critical to the team's defensive identity because of his versatility and disruptive play.

It was visible during Saturday's clash against the Warriors. That is one of the primary reasons why the Lakers haven't thought of moving him despite his prolonged injury absence. It has also delayed their trade plans. According to numerous reports, the Lakers wanted to see how Vanderbilt performs upon his return to evaluate the team's needs.

While it's a small sample size, Vanderbilt's 12-minute action against the Warriors may have encouraged the Lakers to strategize their trade deadline plans with him as an integral player on the team.

The Lakers might fully focus on ensuring Vanderbilt stays healthy and try to acquire a reliable center in the market. Anthony Davis has made his feelings clear about it, and it seems like he might need more resources at this point to acquire the best options.