Lakers Forward Jarred Vanderbilt Aims Key Role Amid Health Recovery 2025–26

Jarred Vanderbilt, a key defensive forward for the Los Angeles Lakers, enters the 2025-26 NBA season with renewed health and ambition after struggling with injuries that limited his participation over the past two seasons. Having played just 65 of 164 possible games during this period, Vanderbilt emphasizes his primary goal of maintaining full-season health to consistently contribute on both ends of the court. Lakers head coach JJ Redick and teammates have noted significant improvement in Vanderbilt's conditioning and jump shot, with expectations for him to be an impactful perimeter defender and offensive rebounder. Vanderbilt's healthy offseason allowed him to focus on skill development rather than rehabilitation, which has already shown promise during training camp and preseason play. The Lakers, coming off a playoff run that ended in the Western Conference semifinals, rely on Vanderbilt's defensive prowess and improved offensive capabilities to help elevate the team's competitiveness this season. However, his continued health and performance will be critical to his role and future with the team, as the Lakers seek to build a roster capable of contending for an NBA title.