Lakers' Jarred Vanderbilt Targeting Early January for Return After Injury Setback

Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt, who has been out all season after undergoing procedures on both feet, is now targeting an early January return after experiencing fluid in his left knee during the rehab process.

The Lakers relayed that information to ESPN's Shams Charania and Dave McMenamin on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old Vanderbilt has played six NBA seasons. He averaged 5.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 20.0 minutes per game last year.

Vanderbilt only played 29 games last season after a midfoot sprain suffered on Feb. 1 prematurely ended his season. He also sat 20 games because of bursitis in his left heel.

Vanderbilt had surgery on both feet last May, including the removal of a bone spur in his left foot.

On Nov. 20, the Lakers provided an update on Vanderbilt's progression, per team reporter Mike Trudell.

"Jarred Vanderbilt's rehabilitation will continue for the next couple of weeks before the next update. He's been ramping up activity, but the progression has been more gradual than the team anticipated. They'll be patient as his body builds up. There have been no setbacks, but initial expectations have been adjusted, and they want to keep the long-term in mind."

The Lakers had big plans for Vanderbilt after he inked a four-year, $48 million contract extension with the team in September 2023. He earned that contract just a few months after helping the Lakers roll to the Western Conference Finals as a No. 7 seed. Vanderbilt started 13 games for the Lakers in the 2023 postseason.

Unfortunately, injuries have sidelined Vanderbilt more often than not of late. It's been a tough hit for the Lakers, who could use his defensive help. The team has struggled on that front this year (No. 24 in defensive rating, per Basketball-Reference).

Although there have been setbacks, an early January return isn't too far off and sparks encouragement that he'll be back and ready to go for the second half of the year. For now, the 12-9 Lakers move forward, with their next game Wednesday at home against the Miami Heat.