When the Los Angeles Lakers take the floor on Saturday evening against the Golden State Warriors, it will be the first time in nearly one full year that they’ll do so with Jarred Vanderbilt active. Vanderbilt has not played since Feb. 1, 2024 after dealing with injuries in both feet and then some knee inflammation.
This long-term absence has deeply impacted the Lakers. Without their best perimeter defender, L.A. felt unable to fully evaluate their roster, and it led to the team standing pat both at the last trade deadline and in the offseason. They have also been unable to be at their best on the court, as their defense suffered mightily without Vanderbilt in the lineup.