Jarred Vanderbilt’s January Return Looms as Lakers Battle Offensive and Defensive Woes

The Los Angeles Lakers continue to face turbulence in the early stretch of the season, suffering a deflating 109-80 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 2. Their uneven form has them at eighth place in the Western Conference with a 12-9 record, a far cry from their lofty aspirations.

However, help is on the way. Forward Jarred Vanderbilt is targeting an early January return, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania and Dave McMenamin.

Vanderbilt has been sidelined indefinitely following a setback in his recovery from offseason surgeries on both feet. The six-year veteran has not played since February 1. Last season, Vanderbilt averaged 5.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in 20 minutes per game and was instrumental in the Lakers’ run to the Western Conference Finals two seasons ago.

His return could bolster the Lakers’ defense, currently ranked seventh-worst in the NBA, allowing 116.7 points per 100 possessions.

With nine games remaining in December, including a road matchup against the Miami Heat on December 3, rookie head coach JJ Redick can begin strategizing Vanderbilt’s seamless reintegration into the rotation. Vanderbilt’s defensive versatility could address the Lakers’ pressing need for a perimeter stopper.

The Lakers’ struggles extend beyond their defense, though. Despite being the NBA’s fourth-best offensive team earlier in the season, they have lost five of their last seven games. Their shooting woes were evident against the Timberwolves, where they hit only 6-of-31 three-pointers and shot 10% worse than their opponents.

LeBron James, who had an uncharacteristically poor outing with just 10 points on 4-of-16 shooting, pinpointed the problem: “We’re just not good offensively right now,” he admitted, adding that their offensive struggles stem from focusing too much on defense.

To contend this season, the Lakers must find balance on both ends of the court. With Vanderbilt’s return looming, they have a chance to regain their defensive edge and spark a turnaround.