"We missed him" - LeBron James and JJ Redick make feelings crystal clear on Lakers' $48,000,000 wing 

LeBron James, JJ Redick and the LA Lakers were ecstatic after the team got another glimpse of their true potential after Jarred Vanderbilt's successful comeback from injury. The Lakers capped off the defensive stalwart's return with a 118-108 win over the Golden State Warriors. Despite coming off a near-year-long injury hiatus, Vanderbilt didn't seem like he missed a step.

Playing a limited 12 minutes, Vanderbilt was everywhere defensively. He had four rebounds, two assists and three steals. He finished the night with a +/- of +6, the highest among the bench. In the second half, Vanderbilt was key in helping the Lakers sustain their lead after the Warriors cut it down to six entering the fourth quarter.

Lakers coach JJ Redick and star player LeBron James couldn't contain their excitement about seeing Jarred Vanderbilt back in action. The duo made their feelings crystal clear as James said:

"He looked like he didn't miss a beat. He's flying around. What he does don't even show in the box score ... three steals, the playmaking, the assists, offensive rebound, tip-in. ... We missed him."

Redick added (h/t Lakers Daily):

"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."

After concerns about Jarred Vanderbilt's ability to return to his potential, his season debut has put all the doubts aside. He's looked worth every penny of the $48,000,000 deal the Lakers offered him in the 2023 offseason.

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Jarred Vanderbilt opens up on his injury return

Jarred Vanderbilt took many by surprise with his instant impact on the Lakers after playing his first game since Feb. 1, 2024. He was among the ones who couldn't believe what he was able to bring to the table in his 12 minutes of action.

"A little bit," Vanderbilt on being surprised about his impact (h/t Lakers reporter Khobi Price).

"I knew I might be a little rusty coming in and as far as rhythm and knowing plays and all that stuff. So my main goal was just to go in there and play hard. Bring the energy and then everything else - just control the controllable and everything else will play its hand."

Vanderbilt also thanked his peers and the organization for showing patience as he worked his way through multiple surgeries on both his feet. He said it was a tough and long journey, but glad that everything was heading in the right direction upon his comeback.

Vanderbilt's next chance to play will be in Monday's clash against the Charlotte Hornets.