Lakers F Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) set for season debut

Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt is expected to play in his first game in nearly a year on Saturday after rehabbing from surgeries to both feet, ESPN reported Wednesday.

The Lakers play at the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night after hosting Boston on Thursday.

Vanderbilt has not played since Feb. 1, 2024, when he suffered a right midfoot sprain that sidelined him for the rest of the 2023-24 season. He underwent surgery on the foot, also opting to remove a bone spur in his left foot last May.

Vanderbilt was first expected to return in November but suffered setbacks, including fluid buildup in his left knee.

The Lakers signed him to a four-year, $48 million deal before the 2023-24 season, but injuries limited him to just 29 games. He sat out the first 20 games due to bursitis in his left heel.

Vanderbilt averaged 5.2 points and 4.8 rebounds in 2023-24, below his career averages of 6.1 and 6.4, respectively, with the Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Utah Jazz and Lakers since entering the league in 2018-19.

--Field Level Media