Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt is facing a setback in his recovery, as fluid has accumulated in his left knee, pushing back his anticipated return to the court until at least January.
On Tuesday, the Lakers provided an update on Vanderbilt’s condition, revealing that he has not participated in a game since February 1.
Vanderbilt had been making progress after undergoing foot surgeries during the offseason. Although the team indicated two weeks ago that his recovery was taking longer than expected, they clarified that he had not encountered any setbacks—until now.
The recent knee issue now marks a notable delay for Vanderbilt, who has struggled with injuries since joining the Lakers in February 2023. He was initially brought in as a defensive asset and a versatile scorer.
Last season, Vanderbilt was sidelined for the first 20 games due to bursitis in his left heel. After briefly returning to the lineup, he was ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a right foot sprain.
In September 2023, Vanderbilt signed a four-year, $48 million contract extension with the Lakers, yet he has only participated in 29 of the team’s 108 games since then.
Upon his arrival from Utah, Vanderbilt quickly became a starter for the Lakers, playing a pivotal role in their journey to the Western Conference finals. His primary responsibility was to defend the opposing team’s top wing scorer.
As the Lakers (12-9) continue their road trip, they will face off against Miami on Wednesday, hoping to secure a victory in Vanderbilt’s absence.
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