Report: Jarred Vanderbilt’s return for play-in unlikely, first round possible

Jarred Vanderbilt continues progressing, but nothing has been solidified regarding a return date for the Lakers' elite wing defender.

The Lakers are preparing for postseason basketball, having finished the regular season strong by winning seven of their last ten to secure the eighth seed and a matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans in the play-in.

Los Angeles appears to be peaking at the right time, but the biggest question regarding the roster is still Jarred Vanderbilt's return.

Official updates from the team have been few and far between, but Jovan Buha of The Athletic gave one during a recent live stream.

“I’ve been told that Vando has ramped up his conditioning into light jogging, but he has not returned to on-court contact activity yet, which means he’s not going to play Sunday in New Orleans. Even playing in the play-in seems unlikely. So if Vando returns, it’s appearing as if it’s going to have to be in the first round of the playoffs on the early side. So maybe the Lakers get him back for a matchup against the Timberwolves or the Thunder, or maybe even mid-series.”

Vanderbilt's return may feel like a stretch, but we have seen signs of a comeback for the Lakers wing. He's been seen set shooting at practice and pregame and with the Lakers not ruling him out for the season, his return is still on the table.

If — and that's a big if — Vanderbilt returns during the first round, he may still reach the previously discussed target date of mid-April.

Vanderbilt's season has been filled with injuries. He hasn't played for the Lakers since suffering a midfoot sprain on Feb. 1 against the Boston Celtics. Before that injury, he missed significant time early in the year with left heel bursitis.

His return is eagerly awaited by the team, coaches and fans alike because his defensive activity and effectiveness have been severely lacking in his absence. No other Lakers defender has his size and versatility, which is one reason head coach Darvin Ham described him as 'one of the best Swiss army knives in NBA.’

With the biggest matchups coming up, getting an elite defender back would give the Lakers their ideal rotation and keep the team at its healthiest during the most important time.

Still, until we have a solid return date or official timetable, fans must wait and see as they hope for the Vanderbilt Vault to open this spring.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88.