Lakers Announce Jarred Vanderbilt News Before Grizzlies Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Jan 2, 2026 6:26 AM ET

It appears that Jarred Vanderbilt has re-established himself in the Los Angeles Lakers’ regular rotation after a string of healthy DNP’s earlier in the season. The 6-foot-8 power forward has played at least 20 minutes off the bench in L.A.’s last six games.

In Tuesday’s 128-106 loss to the Detroit Pistons, Vanderbilt logged eight points and eight rebounds in 27 minutes of action.

Unfortunately for the 26-year-old, he is now back on the injury report ahead of Friday’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Vanderbilt is now dealing with a leg issue and could potentially miss the home game against the Grizzlies.

Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt rebounds the ball against the Phoenix Suns.Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Vanderbilt has been a steady force for the Lakers of late. In his last six appearances, the former Kentucky Wildcats standout has averaged 6.7 points on 53.6% shooting, 6.0 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 24.5 minutes. He’s also knocking down 1.5 three-pointers on a 56.3% clip.

That type of production is what the Lakers will miss if Vanderbilt is unable to play on Friday. The team announced on Thursday via the official injury report that Vanderbilt is questionable to play against Memphis due to a sore right leg.

The silver lining here is that Vanderbilt’s injury does not sound serious. If he sits out on Friday, his next chance to play will be on Sunday in a rematch against the Grizzlies. More minutes will be available for the likes of Maxi Kleber and Dalton Knecht if Vanderbilt sits out.

The Lakers enter Friday’s contest with a 20-11 record. They are fifth in the Western Conference.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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