Dreams do come true! Los Angeles has been waiting for this since February 1, 2024. After foot injuries and off-season surgeries, Jarred Vanderbilt gave us the hope that he would come back. But when would that actually happen? Without a timeline to look ahead to, the 25-year-old’s return seemed too far-fetched. Not anymore. JARRED VANDERBILT IS COMING BACK. About time, too.

ESPN’s senior NBA insider, Shams Charania gave the biggest give to the Lakers fans on Tuesday. He reported: “Los Angeles Lakers F Jarred Vanderbilt has been medically cleared to make his season debut on Saturday against the Golden State Warriors on ABC, barring any unforeseen setbacks.”

 

Yes, this is happening. It isn’t a dream anymore. No more of Hawkeye saying: “Don’t Give Me Hope.” In fact, the LA Lakers, HC JJ Redick has planned out his motives with Vando ahead of his return. In an interview with NBA.com’s Mike Trudell,

JJ Redick discussed his plans for utilizing Vanderbilt in the 2024-25 season.“I think the unique thing about Jarred, and a number of really good teams that made deep playoff runs, is they have guys like him,” Redick said about Jarred Vanderbilt. “That are energy, defense, ball hawks. He can sort of … I call them energy shifters. He can change the energy of an entire game. And he doesn’t have to do it with scoring, which makes him really unique. I can’t wait to coach him.”

You cannot truly blame the Lakers Nation for feeling tears pricking their eyes after all this time. It’s almost a year since the center donned his Purple and Gold jersey. And now, the time has finally come.

Jarred Vanderbilt’s return fill fans’ hearts with hope and eyes with tears

“The Lakers made a trade!” A fan exclaimed in excitement. Well, there are not reports about it, but if Jarred Vanderbilt is a sign of a trade, then information has yet to come. But, this seems more like an emotional call for Vando’s comeback. The 25-year-old anyway has been turned into a two-way player for the Lakers. He’ll be playing for the South Bay Lakers in the G League. But before that, the Warriors are going witness his debut on Saturday.

Meanwhile, someone shared a clip from the 2023 NBA Playoffs. Los Angeles Lakers vs.

Golden State Warriors. Vando was guarding Stephen Curry and if you watch the clip, you’ll see how the sharpshooting maestro was struggling around Jarred Vanderbilt. Who knows, Saturday could be a repeat telecast of the same?

Another fan dropped a cold 2-word message. It’s more like a warning for the 30 franchises. Beware, the promising center is coming back. The fan commented: “LEAGUE SHAKING.” Jarred Vanderbilt’s return to the lineup for the Lakers could open new avenues for the head coach to explore. And maybe it could pave the way for that 18th championship they’re looking for?

Besides, someone noted: “Finally, some good news from Shams [praying emoji].” Truly, an update from Shams Charania means it’s either an unexpected trade or some injury update or the other. It sometimes makes me wonder, are no good things happening in the NBA? But now, he’s dropping good news for the LA Lakers fans to rejoice in! And yes, Vando’s return is probably the biggest news of the day.

On the other hand, it looks like the Lakers Nation isn’t enjoying Rui Hachimura’s presence on the court. Or maybe it’s just a handful of people who’ve been skeptical about the Japanese small forward. So, Jarred Vanderbilt’s return could mean less minutes for Rui. Really? That’s for the coaching staff to decide. But, SGA laughing hysterically in a GIF could be a unique pick here:

 

So, ultimately, Jarred Vanderbilt is back, and the Los Angeles Lakers fans can finally breathe again. The wait is over, the hope is real, and the excitement is electric. Saturday can’t come soon enough.