In a setback for the team, Los Angeles Lakers power forward Jarred Vanderbilt will miss the beginning of the 2024-25 NBA regular season, as confirmed by head coach JJ Redick. Despite showing some improvement in his recovery from heel and foot injuries, Vanderbilt will require a minimum of two additional weeks of rehabilitation before he can resume play, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin..
This news is a setback for the Lakers, who were hoping to have Vanderbilt ready for their season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday. Renowned for his defensive skills and high energy, Vanderbilt quickly became an integral part of the Lakers’ rotation after being acquired at the 2023 NBA trade deadline. His capability to guard multiple positions, rebound effectively, and contribute in transition complements the star-studded roster featuring LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
In a recent media session, Vanderbilt provided an update on his recovery, as reported by Jovan Buha of The Athletic.
“I feel great. The process has been going well… Everything is on track and feels good,” Vanderbilt stated at the time.
Vanderbilt’s inability to finish last season significantly impacted the Lakers’ defense, as they lacked their main perimeter defender. During the 2023-24 season, he played only 29 games for the Lakers, but his presence was crucial. When he was on the court, Los Angeles limited opponents to 109.4 points per 100 possessions, marking the best defensive rating among players with at least 500 minutes played.
In contrast, when Vanderbilt was absent, the Lakers’ defense allowed 115.1 points per 100 possessions, illustrating a notable 5.7-point difference that underscores the importance of his defensive contributions. When paired with Anthony Davis, Vanderbilt forms one of the top defensive tandems in the NBA. Together, they have helped the Lakers achieve a defensive net rating that ranks in the 84th percentile. Although he will miss at least the first two weeks of the season, Vanderbilt is expected to fully participate soon. His return is eagerly anticipated, particularly to see how his skills will integrate into the new system implemented by Redick.
