Jarred Vanderbilt was a fan favorite for the Los Angeles Lakers after being acquired at the 2023 trade deadline due to his high motor and willingness to do the dirty work. Before his arrival, L.A. did not have a player like Vanderbilt, so it was a breath of fresh air.
However, injuries have plagued the forward lately, as he has not suited up since Feb. 1, 2024. With his return looming on Saturday against the Golden State Warriors, Vanderbilt could become another defensive enforcer for L.A. next to Dorian Finney-Smith.
The Lakers traded for Finney-Smith to fill Vanderbilt’s absence, but the latter’s long-anticipated return is finally here.