It was reported on Sunday afternoon that the Los Angeles Lakers are getting closer to getting a key player back in their rotation. Forward Jarred Vanderbilt was assigned to the South Bay Lakers, which is the Lakers G-League affiliate. While Vanderbilt will not be cleared to play this week, it’s a positive sign for him to be elevated to the G-League roster just so he can get some game action.
Los Angeles Lakers Move Jarred Vanderbilt to G-League Squad
It had been a long time coming for Vanderbilt, who’s been dealing with multiple injuries to his feet ever since May. The last game he played was February 1, 2024, against the Boston Celtics. He has yet to play this season and had a very slow progression with his initial rehab over the summer. On top of that, he also experienced a buildup of fluid in his left knee in December which set his recovery back even further. It has been a long road.
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Vanderbilt’s Impact
While Vanderbilt is not a big threat on the offensive end of the floor, he is the anchor of Lakers’ perimeter defense and guarding players on the wing. He’s 6’8 and can guard every position. LA’s perimeter defense has not been good this season as they rank near the bottom of the league in that category. Whenever Vanderbilt returns to action, it will be a huge lift. It allows Anthony Davis to return to his natural duties of guarding the paint instead of the perimeter.
One Big Question
Assuming Vanderbilt is 100% and gets cleared to return to NBA action, how will the rotations look? Will Vanderbilt come off the bench and be part of the second unit or will he be inserted into the starting lineup at his normal spot? It remains to be seen.