Lakers Rumors: Jarred Vanderbilt Expected to Return from Injury This Season

After missing more than a month of play, Los Angeles Lakers power forward Jarred Vanderbilt could still make a return to the court this season.

Vanderbilt, who has been out since Feb. 1 when he suffered a foot injury, has been making progress and could return before the end of the season, per The Athletic's Jovan Buha (h/t HoopsHype).

"I've heard Vando is progressing upward," Buha said (8:50 mark). "It sounds like he's going to be back this season; it's just a matter of like timing. Is it two weeks from now, is it four weeks from now? There is a big difference in terms of when he returns."

Vanderbilt, who the Lakers acquired from the Utah Jazz last season, is averaging 5.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game off the bench for Los Angeles this season. While he hasn't provided much for the Lakers offensively, his defensive presence would be huge for Los Angeles as it looks to make a push for the playoffs.

After a slow start to the season, the Lakers have improved slightly over the past month and a half and currently sit in ninth place in the Western Conference at 35-30 on the season. Los Angeles is still in need of a late push to ensure they make the postseason, and getting Vanderbilt back on the court would help with that quest.