Lakers make major move to prioritize $48,000,000 forward's comeback for season debut after injury woes

Big man Jarred Vanderbilt's injuries have severely limited the LA Lakers' frontcourt depth. He hasn't played since Feb. 1, 2024, despite being expected to return toward the end of the year. However, his comeback was delayed after fluid buildup in his left knee. The injury report also stated that his return to action was moved back to January.

With the month nearly over, LA has been preparing for Vanderbilt's imminent return, according to a post made by Forbes' Evan Sidery on Sunday. As part of the process, the coaching staff has assigned him to the South Bay Lakers, the team's G League affiliate.

This is not the first time for a report about the Lakers assigning Jarred Vanderbilt to their G League affiliate. NBA reporter Dave McMenamin tweeted on Jan. 10 that the big man was assigned to the G League.

However, there still hasn't been a clear date for when he is expected to make his NBA season debut.

LA acquired Jarred Vanderbilt in February 2023 as part of the package that brought D'Angelo Russell back to the Lakers from the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Following the trade, Vanderbilt signed a four-year extension worth $48 million. The contract carries until the 2027-28 season, but he does have a player option for the final year of his deal.

Since donning the purple and gold, Vanderbilt has only suited up in 55 games: 26 in 2023 after the trade and 29 in 2023-24. He has averaged 6.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.2 steals for LA.

When available, Vanderbilt is a capable defender who was often assigned to the opposing team's best perimeter player.

---

Lakers coach JJ Redick spoke about Jarred Vanderbilt's return to action

With January wrapping up soon, there are many questions surrounding Jarred Vanderbilt's availability and his return. Lakers coach JJ Redick addressed the questions on Monday.

According to the Lakers coach, Vanderbilt is getting close to his much-awaited season debut. However, Redick also made it clear that he was not expected to play within the team's four-game schedule last week.

LA has already played three of those four games — against the San Antonio Spurs on Monday, the Miami Heat on Wednesday and the Brooklyn Nets on Friday. They played the LA Clippers on Sunday.

Aside from Vanderbilt, center Christian Wood has also been sidelined all season long. Wood has not suited up since Feb. 14 as he recovers from surgery on his left knee. Unlike Vanderbilt, no expected return date has been announced for Wood.

Center Jaxson Hayes and forward Dorian Finney-Smith have handled the load on the frontcourt in Vanderbilt and Wood's absence.