Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick has provided updates on the anticipated returns of forwards Christian Wood and Jarred Vanderbilt, both of whom have been sidelined due to injuries since the beginning of the 2024-2025 NBA season.
Christian Wood
Wood underwent knee surgery before training camp and was initially expected to be re-evaluated after eight weeks. However, during his rehabilitation, he experienced soreness, leading to a setback in his recovery. As of November 12, 2024, Redick indicated that Wood’s return would be delayed by at least four more weeks, with plans to scale back his activities and provide an update after that period.
Jarred Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt has also been absent from the Lakers’ lineup due to a significant foot injury. Despite initial optimism about his recovery, his return has been postponed multiple times. In early December, Redick mentioned that Vanderbilt was experiencing “normal discomforts,” and the latest medical update suggested he would be re-evaluated in two weeks, further extending his absence.
The prolonged unavailability of both players has impacted the Lakers’ frontcourt depth, placing additional pressure on the team’s rotation. Redick has expressed confidence in the current roster’s ability to compete when healthy, stating, “Frankly, I have belief that when this group is healthy, we can compete.”
As the Lakers navigate this challenging period, the focus remains on the rehabilitation of Wood and Vanderbilt, with the hope that their eventual returns will bolster the team’s performance in the highly competitive Western Conference.
