
Los Angeles Lakers nation can let out a collective scream of joy. Jarred Vanderbilt has been medically cleared to return to play. He will be available but coach JJ Redick said “There’s not a guarantee he will play”.
Should he play Saturday, it will be Vanderbilt’s first regular season game in nearly a year. He had dealt with foot injuries since last February and fluid build-up in his left knee during the off-season, which slowed the recovery quite a bit.
When Vanderbilt comes back, he will add a dimension of defense that the Los Angeles Lakers have not had all season, specifically on the perimeter and defending the wing.
Also Read: Los Angeles Lakers Growing Concerned By Latest Trade Rumors
Aside from how he looks physically and being in game shape, the other question is: what lineups will coach Redick use? Could there be a point where he uses a defensive-heavy lineup involving: Dorian Finney-Smith, Anthony Davis, Vanderbilt, and Max Christie?
We wouldn’t rule it out depending on what’s needed at a particular point in a game. Regardless though, this is a major boost to a Los Angeles Lakers team who could use it. They are currently clinging to the sixth seed in the Western Conference with a 23-18 record and could use every win they can get right now.