Jarred Vanderbilt Aims for Full Healthy Season as Lakers Open Training Camp
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LOS ANGELES — Forward Jarred Vanderbilt said his top priority for the 2025-26 campaign is simply staying on the court after two injury-plagued years with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Speaking Monday during the club’s annual Media Day, the 26-year-old explained that a rare, uninterrupted summer of workouts has positioned him to start training camp at full strength.
“It feels great being able to have a full summer under my belt,” Vanderbilt said. “I was able to really work on my game, work on my body, and just have that confidence going into the year instead of playing catch-up.”
Health remains the main objective
Vanderbilt has appeared in only 65 of 164 possible regular-season games since the Lakers acquired him at the 2022-23 trade deadline, a 39.6% availability rate. Lower-leg and foot issues sidelined him for extended stretches in each of the past two seasons.
“My number one goal is just to be healthy, finish the season healthy, do a full complete season,” he told reporters.
Potential impact on Lakers defense
A full campaign from Vanderbilt would bolster a Los Angeles defense that ranked in the middle of the league last year. Known for his versatility and energy, the 6-foot-8 forward often guards perimeter scorers and switches onto big men when needed.
Shooting strides noted by newcomer LaRavia
New teammate Jake LaRavia said he has already noticed growth in Vanderbilt’s perimeter game. Vanderbilt is a career 28.8% three-point shooter and has topped 30% only once, the season Los Angeles obtained him from the Utah Jazz. Improved accuracy, LaRavia noted, could lead to more consistent minutes for the defensive specialist.
The Lakers open training camp this week with preseason play beginning later this month.
Source: Lakers Nation
