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First-year Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick told reporters on Saturday that Jarred Vanderbilt is “on target” to be available early in the season.
Dave McMenamin @mcten
JJ Redick says Jarred Vanderbilt’s ramp up process remains “on target” for being available sometime around the beginning of the season. He later said he has designed a zone defensive package LAL will have in its arsenal that is specifically catered to Vando pic.twitter.com/6uFMlRMGRq
Vanderbilt last played on Feb. 1 and has been following the Lakers’ ramp-up protocol, but has yet to participate in any contact drills.
“It remains to be seen if he’ll be available, but no setbacks and he just continues to work his way back,” Redick said.
Vanderbilt had offseason procedures on both feet after surgery on his right foot for a mid-foot sprain revealed a bone spur in his left foot.
The 25-year-old was initially drafted by the Orlando Magic before being traded to the Denver Nuggets as the No. 41 overall pick out of Kentucky in the 2018 draft.
He later joined the Lakers in 2023 as part of a three-team trade and is entering the third and final year of his $48 million contract.
Last season, he was limited to 29 games with the Lakers, averaging 5.0 points per game, 5.0 rebounds and 1.0 assist while shooting 52 percent from the field.
The Lakers will kick off their 2024-2025 season on Oct. 22 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, as Vanderbilt works to rehab his way back into the lineup.
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