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Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt is set to make his highly anticipated season debut on Saturday against the Golden State Warriors, barring any unforeseen setbacks, according to NBA insider Shams Charania. Vanderbilt, who has been sidelined for nearly a year, has been medically cleared for action.

The 25-year-old has not played since February 1, 2024, when he last suited up for the Lakers. Vanderbilt’s return adds depth to the team’s frontcourt, and his presence will likely boost Los Angeles’ defensive efforts. Last season, he averaged 5.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 20 minutes per game.

The Lakers, currently 23-18 and sitting in fifth place in the Western Conference, are in the midst of a challenging stretch. Tonight, they face the defending NBA champions, the Boston Celtics, before their showdown with the Warriors on ABC.

Vanderbilt’s return is expected to provide a much-needed defensive spark. Known for his versatility and ability to guard multiple positions, he will bolster the Lakers’ frontcourt rotation. His ability to defend against opposing forwards and add rebounding support will be vital in their quest for postseason positioning.

The Lakers have shown improvement this season, but they’ll look to solidify their standing in a competitive Western Conference. With Vanderbilt back in the fold, Los Angeles aims to build on their current momentum.