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Los Angeles Lakers’ preseason hopes continue to spiral, as another key player joins their growing injury list. Just days after reports confirmed that LeBron James may not return until mid-November, forward Jarred Vanderbilt went down with yet another setback — this time during the Lakers’ preseason matchup against the Dallas Mavericks.
Vanderbilt injured during preseason clash
According to Spectrum SportsNet’s Mike Trudell, Vanderbilt sustained a left quad contusion following a second-quarter collision with Dallas rookie Dereck Lively II. The 25-year-old was immediately ruled out for the remainder of the game, heightening concerns for a Lakers team already battling multiple fitness issues.
Jarred Vanderbilt’s injury history is far from encouraging. He missed 46 games last season due to foot and groin injuries and sat out 53 games in 2023–24 with a severe heel issue. His back problems during the 2022–23 season also sidelined him for an extended period — both during his time with the Utah Jazz and after being traded to Los Angeles midseason.
Given his recent struggles, the Lakers’ medical staff will be extra cautious in evaluating his recovery timeline as the 2025–26 NBA season approaches.
JJ Redick’s defensive plans take a hit
Head coach JJ Redick, who has emphasized improving the Lakers’ defensive consistency, had high hopes for Vanderbilt this season. The versatile forward was expected to share perimeter defensive responsibilities with Marcus Smart, forming a formidable duo capable of anchoring the team’s defensive rotations.
“I’ve been very impressed by just the amount of work that he’s done this summer on his game, and obviously, his body is significantly better than this time last year, or even when the season ended,” Redick said earlier in training camp.
JJ Redick praised Jarred Vanderbilt’s development, particularly his improved ball-handling and shooting, highlighting his ability to stretch the floor as a potential game-changer.
“He’s been working on his game and this shot is sort of the big thing with him. If he can be a consistent three-point shooter for us, that unlocks a lot.”
LeBron James’ return still weeks away
Compounding the Lakers’ preseason struggles is LeBron James’ ongoing nerve injury, which is expected to delay his season debut. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Lakers plan to take a cautious approach.
“I’m told that the Lakers and LeBron are looking around mid-November as a realistic debut for him,” Charania reported on NBA Today. “It is expected he will need at least a few weeks after that point. A source told me tonight that LeBron will be taking a ‘patient approach’ with this rehab.”
With Maxi Kleber (quad) and rookie Adou Thiero (knee) also sidelined, JJ Redick’s roster flexibility continues to shrink before the regular season even begins. After being forced to start 24 different lineups last year, the Lakers now face an unsettlingly familiar challenge — battling early-season injuries that could test their depth and resolve once again.
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