The Los Angeles Lakers received encouraging news about forward Jarred Vanderbilt as they prepare for the upcoming NBA season.

After undergoing offseason surgery on both of his feet, Vanderbilt is progressing well in his rehab. The 25-year-old forward has yet to return to on-court activities, but there’s optimism he will be ready by November.

Lakers’ Offseason Developments and Training Camp

It’s been five months since the Lakers last took the court, and the team has undergone significant changes, including bringing in JJ Redick as the new head coach. As the Lakers aim for a bounce-back season, all eyes are on stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, but the positive news about Vanderbilt’s recovery adds to the team’s sense of hope.

The Lakers opened training camp earlier this week, with preseason starting on October 4 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The regular season kicks off on October 22, also against the Timberwolves. While Vanderbilt won’t be ready for the start of the season, there’s hope for an early November return.

Rehab Progress and Timeline

According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Vanderbilt’s recovery is on schedule. McMenamin provided an update during an episode of *The Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective* podcast, noting that while Vanderbilt has not yet tested his recovery on the court, a return within a month is realistic. “Once he begins to test it, you’re talking about roughly a month-long process… I think there is a realistic pathway to see him on the court in the first half of November,” McMenamin said.

Vanderbilt himself shared his optimism during media day, expressing satisfaction with his rehab progress. “I feel great. The process has been going great. Everything has been on a great pace and great scheduling. Everything feels good,” he told *The Athletic*’s Jovan Buha.

Impact on the Lakers

When Vanderbilt is healthy, he is a valuable asset on the floor for the Lakers. Known for his energy, athleticism, and defensive prowess, the forward is an active defender who disrupts passing lanes and provides the team with another capable rebounder. In two seasons with the Lakers, Vanderbilt has averaged 6.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and shot 52% from the field.

As the Lakers look to contend for a deep postseason run, having Vanderbilt at full strength will be crucial. The team is facing a pressure-filled season, and the addition of a healthy Vanderbilt will give them much-needed depth on both ends of the court.

While the Lakers gear up for the season, the news of Vanderbilt’s steady progress is a positive sign as they prepare for the challenges ahead.