Lakers' Jarred Vanderbilt Faces Delayed Return Due to Knee Complications

The forward's recovery from offseason foot surgeries is now targeting an early January return after fluid buildup in his left knee altered his rehab timeline.

Jarred Vanderbilt has developed fluid in his left knee during rehab, delaying his return to at least January 2025, according to the Lakers' announcement.
The 25-year-old forward underwent surgeries on both feet in May and has not played since February 1 due to multiple injuries, including a midfoot sprain and heel bursitis.
Vanderbilt's absence has left the Lakers struggling defensively, ranking 24th in defensive rating this season and losing five of their last seven games to fall to a 12-9 record.
The Lakers signed Vanderbilt to a four-year, $48 million extension in 2023, but he has appeared in only 29 games since joining the team nearly two years ago.
The delay complicates new coach JJ Redick's efforts to solidify rotations and evaluate roster needs as the team approaches the NBA trade season.

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