Lakers Fear Jarred Vanderbilt’s Season Return in Jeopardy

Lakers Fear Jarred Vanderbilt’s Season Return in Jeopardy

Before the NBA trade deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers disclosed that Jarred Vanderbilt had sustained a sprained right foot, necessitating a re-evaluation in three to four weeks. Initially feared to sideline him for the season due to a significant foot injury, this update sparked hope in Los Angeles that the defensive-minded forward might make a late-season return before the playoffs.

While surgery was initially dismissed for Vanderbilt, uncertainty lingers within the Lakers’ front office regarding his potential return this season. Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka recently addressed the media, discussing Vanderbilt’s timeline.

“Until an injury is healed and the player’s back, you’re always in the evaluation process of figuring out what it’s gonna take to get a player healthy and back on the court,” Pelinka stated via The Athletic’s Jovan Buha. “We’re hopeful that we can get Jarred back healthy and on the court without surgery, but you never know. Time will tell. But that’s certainly our hope.”

Pelinka’s optimism notwithstanding, internal doubts about Vanderbilt’s return are growing, as per Buha’s reports.

At present, there is uncertainty about Vanderbilt’s comeback. Since his injury against the Boston Celtics on February 1, the Lakers have gone 2-1, securing a crucial road win against the New York Knicks. With a .500 record and no reinforcements from the trade deadline, Los Angeles faces challenges down the stretch.

In 29 games this season, Jarred Vanderbilt has averaged 5.2 points and 4.8 rebounds per game, shooting 51.8 percent from the floor. He recently inked a four-year, $48 million extension, committing to stay with the Lakers through the 2027-28 season.

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