Lakers' Vanderbilt developed knee effusion, targeting January return

The Los Angeles Lakers announced Tuesday that forward Jarred Vanderbilt developed an effusion in his left knee while rehabbing from a foot injury, according to Dan Woike of The Los Angeles Times.

The Lakers are targeting an early January return for Vanderbilt.

Vanderbilt suffered a foot strain in February of last season, eventually causing him to miss the remainder of the campaign. He played 29 games in 2023-24 after missing the first 20 games due to heel bursitis.

The 25-year-old has played 55 regular-season games for the Lakers after joining the franchise in a three-team trade with the Utah Jazz and Minnesota Timberwolves in 2023. He averaged 7.2 points and 6.7 rebounds during the regular season, eventually helping Los Angeles reach the Western Conference finals.

Vanderbilt signed a four-year, $48-million contract extension with the franchise during the 2023 offseason.

The Lakers have dropped five of their last seven contests. They're now eighth in the West with a 12-9 record.