The Los Angeles Lakers’ decision to invest $48 million in Jarred Vanderbilt has proven to be a wise one, as his post-injury return against the Golden State Warriors showcased his immense value to the team as the purple and gold ensured a perfect 108-118 win to improve their record to 25-18.
Jarred Vanderbilt signed a big deal with the Lakers in 2023, a four-year, $48 million extension. This contract gives him $12 million a year and keeps him with the team until the 2027-28 season.
However, after signing, Vanderbilt faced injury troubles. On February 1, 2024, he sprained his right foot during a game against the Boston Celtics. He had multiple surgeries during the offseason, including one to fix bone spurs in his left foot.
Jarred Vanderbilt Highlights vs Warriors :
— LakeShow Highlights (@LSH_lakeshow) January 26, 2025
12 MIN
2 PTS
1-2 FG (50%)
4 REB
3 STL
2 AST
+6 +/-
Vando in his first game back in a year was spectacular in every Lakers fans eyes tonight. Yea he didn't score a lot of points, but his defense and energy for going after every… pic.twitter.com/Ck5mntdDHJ
After recovering fully, Vanderbilt made his season debut on Saturday night against the Warriors. In just 12 minutes off the bench, he grabbed four rebounds, had two assists, and made three steals, earning a game-high plus-minus of +6.
His strong defensive line disrupted the Warriors’ offense and helped the Lakers secure a big win. After the game, everyone, including Coach JJ Redick and LeBron James, praised his comeback post-injury return performance.
LeBron James and JJ Redick praise Jarred Vanderbilt
After Jarred Vanderbilt’s great game against the Warriors, LeBron James and Lakers coach JJ Redick shared how impressed they were with him.
LeBron said, “He looked like he didn’t miss a beat. He’s flying around. What he does not even show in the box score… We missed him.”
“It looks like he’s been sandbagging the last three weeks in the gym against coaches.” – JJ Redick on Jarred Vanderbilt 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/Ujy3uAZwDO
— Ishan Ghosh (@ishanghosh824) January 26, 2025
Redick agreed, saying, “Vando was great, really stepped up and did what we asked. I have a feeling he’s been kind of coasting for the last three weeks when it comes to his energy.”
