Rob Pelinka remains optimistic about Jarred Vanderbilt returning to full fitness without season-ending surgery

Los Angeles Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka has expressed optimism that the star player Jarred Vanderbilt will not need a season-ending surgery.

The 24-year-old has struggled with fitness concerns in the recent past and it has been reported that he might need surgery to get back to full fitness. Some media reports also suggested that a surgery might end his season prematurely.

Pelinka was recently quoted in a report where he expressed optimism that the Lakers' star player will not need surgery that will end his contribution this season.

“Until an injury is healed and the player is back,” said Pelinka. “You’re kind of always in the evaluation process of figuring out what it’s going to take to get a player healthy and back onto the court. I would just say we’re hopeful that we can get Jarred back, healthy and on the court without surgery. But you never know. Time will tell but that’s certainly our hope.”

Vanderbilt, who is playing as a small forward for the Lakers this season, is having a decent time on the court where he is averaging 5.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game.

His most recent outing came on the first of February against the Boston Celtics where he ended up registering 10 points to go with seven rebounds and two assists.