One of the biggest missing pieces of the Lakers this season has been Jarred Vanderbilt. Statistically, there wasn’t much the team missed but it was more how he fit into the starting lineup and how he properly slotted everyone into their roles.
While he didn’t return and immediately take those responsibilities on Saturday, he did make his season debut in the Lakers win over the Rockets and took a step in the right direction. Vando came off the bench and played just 14 minutes, but it was quickly apparent that he brought a skill set the team had sorely lacked.