Los Angeles, CA — It’s one thing to be a star on paper, and another to deliver on the court — especially in the NBA, where the body must cooperate at the highest level. Jarred Vanderbilt, who has struggled with injuries over the last two seasons, is now proving exactly why the Los Angeles Lakers invested $48 million in him.
Vanderbilt’s health had been a significant concern. Over the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, the 26-year-old forward played just 65 combined games. Even when he was on the floor, he often appeared cautious, limiting his overall impact. That was especially troubling for the Lakers, considering 2024-25 marked the first year of Vanderbilt’s four-year, $48 million deal. The salary reflected expectations of a premier role player, yet the production simply wasn’t matching up, creating mounting pressure on the team’s front office and coaching staff.
Everything changed during the 2025 offseason, Vanderbilt’s first healthy break in years. With no injury rehabs looming, he was able to focus fully on conditioning and skill development. Lakers coaches and teammates were quick to notice the difference. Training camp reports highlighted Vanderbilt’s increased aggression, mobility, and confidence — and early games in the 2025-26 season have confirmed that optimism was well-placed.
Vanderbilt’s recent performances have showcased why he commands such a contract. In a standout outing against the Atlanta Hawks, the forward pulled down 18 rebounds — the second-highest total of his career, only behind a 19-rebound effort from the 2021-22 season. While some may label it a statistical outlier, the performance underscored Vanderbilt’s renewed willingness to do the gritty, physical work that defines his game.
Defense has always been Vanderbilt’s calling card. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses was on full display during the 2023 playoffs, earning him recognition as one of the league’s premier two-way players. For a team like the Lakers, who rely on defensive intensity to fuel fast breaks and control games, Vanderbilt’s presence on the floor is invaluable.
It’s understandable for players returning from injuries to be cautious, but the Lakers are paying Vanderbilt to be exactly the opposite. The early part of the 2025-26 season has shown that he’s embracing that responsibility. His energy, tenacity, and willingness to challenge for every rebound and loose ball have given the Lakers a spark, even in games where the team as a whole struggles.
Coaches have noticed the difference. “Vando looks like he’s back to himself,” one Lakers assistant coach said. “The body is moving well, the mindset is aggressive, and he’s doing the dirty work that makes him such a key piece for us.”
For fans and analysts alike, Vanderbilt’s resurgence is a reminder that contracts are often a gamble — but this time, the Lakers’ investment is paying off. If he continues on this trajectory, Vanderbilt could not only justify his $48 million deal but also reestablish himself as a vital, championship-caliber contributor for Los Angeles.
The message is clear: Jarred Vanderbilt is healthy, aggressive, and finally playing up to the level that made him one of the most valuable role players in the NBA today. For the Lakers, that is a welcome sight and a sign that their investment may soon reap the rewards they envisioned.
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