In the competitive world of professional basketball, defensive specialists often don’t receive the same recognition as high-scoring superstars. However, Jarred Vanderbilt has established himself as a valuable NBA player through his tenacious defense, exceptional rebounding abilities, and high-energy play.
Currently wearing the purple and gold of the Los Angeles Lakers, Vanderbilt has become an essential role player whose contributions frequently extend beyond traditional statistics.
Known affectionately as “Vando” or “Vandolorian” by NBA fans, Jarred Vanderbilt has made his mark in the league through defensive versatility and hustle plays. His recent four-year, $48 million contract extension with the Lakers demonstrates the organization’s confidence in his abilities and the value he brings to the team.
As the 2024-25 NBA season progresses, Vanderbilt continues to prove why he’s worth every penny of that investment through his performances on the court.
Jarred Vanderbilt’s Biography
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jarred Vanderbilt |
| Date of Birth | April 3, 1999 |
| Age | 25 years |
| Education | University of Kentucky |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6’8″ (2.03 m) |
| Weight | 214 lb (97 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2018 |
| Net Worth | $7 Million |
| Salary | $10,714,286 (2024-25 season) |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| @jvando_ | |
| Twitter/X | @JVando |
Early Career
Jarred Vanderbilt was born on April 3, 1999, in Houston, Texas, to Robert and Gwendolyn Vanderbilt. He was raised in a family with deep basketball roots, which significantly influenced his passion for the sport from an early age. His father, Robert, played college basketball at Wiley College, while his mother, Gwendolyn, also had experience in sports, having played at Xavier of Louisiana.
Jarred grew up with five siblings – two older brothers, Jamal and Robert, and three older sisters, Rene, Jen, and Tasha – all of whom were athletically inclined. This family environment fostered a competitive nature in Jarred and fueled his drive to succeed in basketball.
Vanderbilt’s basketball journey began to take shape during his time at Victory Prep Academy in Houston, Texas. It was here that he quickly emerged as an elite athlete, showcasing his impressive height, agility, and defensive skills. Throughout his high school career, Vanderbilt dominated the competition with his versatile playing style.
His senior year was particularly impressive, as he averaged an outstanding 28.5 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game. These remarkable statistics established him as one of the top prospects in the country.
His exceptional performances did not go unnoticed, as Vanderbilt was rated as a five-star recruit and ranked among the top players in the 2017 class by major recruiting services including Scout.com, Rivals.com, and ESPN. His high school achievements earned him prestigious recognition, including selection as a McDonald’s All-American.
Vanderbilt also participated in other notable events showcasing elite high school talent, such as the Nike Hoop Summit, where he scored 19 points in just 19 minutes of play, helping Team USA secure a victory over the World Select team.
On December 23, 2016, Vanderbilt committed to the University of Kentucky Wildcats, a program known for developing NBA talent under head coach John Calipari. However, his college career did not unfold as many had anticipated.
Despite arriving at Kentucky as a highly touted recruit, Vanderbilt’s time with the Wildcats was significantly hampered by injuries. He missed the first two and a half months of his freshman season due to a left foot injury, limiting him to just 14 games in his lone college season.
Professional Career
Jarred Vanderbilt’s professional basketball journey began on draft night in 2018 when he was selected in the second round with the 41st overall pick by the Orlando Magic. However, his time with the Magic organization was brief, as he was immediately traded to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for Justin Jackson and a second-round pick. Upon joining the Nuggets, Vanderbilt signed a three-year rookie contract worth approximately $3.9 million.
His rookie season with Denver provided limited opportunities to showcase his abilities. Vanderbilt appeared in just 17 games, averaging only 4.1 minutes per contest. During this limited playing time, he posted modest numbers of 1.4 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 0.2 assists per game. While his rookie season statistics were underwhelming, they didn’t accurately reflect his potential or the skills that had made him a highly regarded prospect.
To help him develop and gain more playing experience, Vanderbilt also spent time in the NBA G-League with the Delaware Blue Coats. His G-League stint allowed him to demonstrate more of his abilities, as he averaged 7.3 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. The additional playing time proved valuable for his development, though his opportunity with the Nuggets remained limited.
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Vanderbilt’s second professional season began with the Nuggets, but he would soon find himself on the move again. After appearing in just nine games for Denver in the 2019-20 season, he was included in a four-team trade that sent him to the Minnesota Timberwolves. This move would prove to be significant for his career trajectory, as he would finally receive the consistent playing time needed to establish himself in the league.
In Minnesota, Vanderbilt began to carve out a more substantial role. During the 2020-21 season, his first full campaign with the Timberwolves, he appeared in 64 games, starting 30 of them. He averaged 17.8 minutes per game, posting 5.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.0 steals. His energy, defensive versatility, and rebounding prowess made him a valuable rotation player for the Timberwolves.
The 2021-22 season marked Vanderbilt’s true breakthrough as an NBA player. He assumed a more prominent role with Minnesota, starting 67 of his 74 appearances and averaging 25.4 minutes per game. His production increased accordingly, as he averaged 6.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per game.
His ability to guard multiple positions, crash the offensive glass, and generate extra possessions through hustle plays made him a fan favorite and a crucial component of the Timberwolves’ rotation.
Following his success in Minnesota, Vanderbilt was traded to the Utah Jazz as part of a blockbuster deal that sent Rudy Gobert to the Timberwolves. With the Jazz in the 2022-23 season, Vanderbilt continued to develop and expand his role.
He started 41 of his 52 games with Utah, averaging 8.3 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.0 steals in 24.1 minutes per game. His improved assist numbers demonstrated growth in his playmaking abilities, adding another dimension to his game beyond defense and rebounding.
Midway through the 2022-23 season, Vanderbilt was on the move again, this time being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in February 2023. The Lakers immediately recognized his value as a defensive specialist and energy player, inserting him into their starting lineup for 24 of his 26 appearances to finish the season. He averaged 7.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.2 steals in 24.1 minutes per game with Los Angeles.
Jarred Vanderbilt’s Net Worth Details
Jarred Vanderbilt’s net worth is estimated to be $7 million as of 2025.
Contract
In July 2023, Jarred Vanderbilt signed a four-year, $48 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers. This contract represents the largest deal of his professional career and provides financial security through the 2027-28 season. The contract is fully guaranteed for all four years, with the final year (2027-28) being a player option worth $13,285,714.
This extension demonstrates the Lakers’ commitment to Vanderbilt as a key role player and their appreciation for his defensive skills, rebounding ability, and overall energy on the court. The contract was signed using Bird Rights, which allowed the Lakers to exceed the salary cap to retain him, showing their determination to keep him as part of their core rotation players.
Salary
For the 2024-25 NBA season, Jarred Vanderbilt is earning a base salary of $10,714,286. This represents a significant increase from his previous contracts and places him in a much more comfortable financial position than earlier in his career. His salary accounts for approximately 7.62% of the Lakers’ salary cap for the season, making him a substantial investment for the team.
Vanderbilt’s salary is structured to increase incrementally throughout the duration of his contract, with annual raises of approximately $857,143 per year. This progressive salary structure allows both the team and player to benefit, providing Vanderbilt with increasing compensation as he continues to develop while giving the Lakers some financial flexibility in the early years of the deal.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-19 | Denver Nuggets | $838,464 |
| 2019-20 | Denver/Minnesota | $1,416,852 |
| 2020-21 | Minnesota Timberwolves | $1,663,861 |
| 2021-22 | Minnesota Timberwolves | $4,050,000 |
| 2022-23 | Utah/Lakers | $4,374,000 |
| 2023-24 | Los Angeles Lakers | $4,640,000 |
| 2024-25 | Los Angeles Lakers | $10,714,286 |
| 2025-26 | Los Angeles Lakers | $11,571,429 |
| 2026-27 | Los Angeles Lakers | $12,428,571 |
| 2027-28 (Player Option) | Los Angeles Lakers | $13,285,714 |
| Total Career Earnings (through 2024-25) | $28,197,463 | |
| Projected Career Earnings (through 2027-28) | $64,983,177 |
Endorsements
While Jarred Vanderbilt isn’t among the NBA’s most marketed players, he has begun to establish relationships with select brands that align with his personal values and lifestyle. Most notably, Vanderbilt has collaborated with Beyond Meat, a company specializing in plant-based meat alternatives. This partnership makes sense given that Vanderbilt has been following a vegan diet since 2020, initially taking it up as a one-month challenge before continuing due to the health benefits he experienced.
Beyond his food-related endorsement, Vanderbilt has shown interest in business and real estate investments, which could expand his financial portfolio beyond his NBA earnings. Though specific details about his investment strategies remain private, these ventures suggest a forward-thinking approach to his finances.
As his NBA profile continues to grow, particularly with his increased visibility as a Laker, Vanderbilt may attract additional endorsement opportunities in the future, further enhancing his income beyond his playing contract.
NBA Career Stats
| Season | Team | Games | Games Started | Minutes Per Game | FG% | 3P% | FT% | Rebounds Per Game | Assists Per Game | Steals Per Game | Blocks Per Game | Points Per Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-19 | Denver | 17 | 0 | 4.1 | .474 | .000 | .600 | 1.4 | 0.2 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 1.4 |
| 2019-20 | Denver | 9 | 0 | 4.6 | .714 | — | — | 0.9 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 1.1 |
| 2019-20 | Minnesota | 2 | 0 | 2.6 | .000 | .000 | 1.000 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.0 |
| 2020-21 | Minnesota | 64 | 30 | 17.8 | .606 | .200 | .559 | 5.8 | 1.2 | 1.0 | 0.7 | 5.4 |
| 2021-22 | Minnesota | 74 | 67 | 25.4 | .587 | .143 | .656 | 8.4 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 0.6 | 6.9 |
| 2022-23 | Utah | 52 | 41 | 24.1 | .556 | .333 | .657 | 7.9 | 2.7 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 8.3 |
| 2022-23 | Lakers | 26 | 24 | 24.1 | .529 | .303 | .784 | 6.7 | 1.6 | 1.2 | 0.2 | 7.2 |
| 2023-24 | Lakers | 29 | 6 | 20.0 | .518 | .296 | .667 | 4.8 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 0.2 | 5.2 |
| 2024-25 | Lakers | 14 | 0 | 15.0 | .533 | .342 | .421 | 6.1 | 1.3 | 1.0 | 0.1 | 5.2 |
| Career | 287 | 168 | 20.2 | .568 | .290 | .645 | 6.4 | 1.4 | 1.1 | 0.4 | 6.1 |
FAQs
1. Who is Jarred Vanderbilt and when was he born?
Jarred Vanderbilt is an American professional basketball player born on April 3, 1999, in Houston, Texas. He is currently 26 years old and plays as a power forward for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA.
2. How tall is Jarred Vanderbilt and what are his physical attributes?
Jarred Vanderbilt stands 6-8 (203cm) tall and weighs 214 pounds (97kg). He possesses a 7-foot-1 wingspan and an 8-foot-11 standing reach, making him well-equipped to defend multiple positions in the modern NBA.
3. What is Jarred Vanderbilt’s family background?
Jarred is the son of Gwen and Robert Vanderbilt. He has five siblings: Rean, Jamal, Jene (who played basketball for the University of Texas at San Antonio), Tasha, and Robert. His family has been supportive throughout his basketball journey.
4. Where did Jarred Vanderbilt attend high school and college?
Jarred Vanderbilt attended Victory Prep Academy in Houston, Texas, before playing college basketball at the University of Kentucky for one season (2017-18) under coach John Calipari. He was a highly touted recruit who entered college with significant expectations.
5. What accomplishments did Jarred Vanderbilt achieve before the NBA?
Vanderbilt won a gold medal with the 2015 USA U16 National Team, was selected as a McDonald’s All-American in 2017, and was considered one of the top athletes in his recruiting class. He also participated in track, winning district titles in both 100 and 200 meters.
6. How did Jarred Vanderbilt perform during his college career?
At Kentucky, Vanderbilt appeared in just 14 games due to foot injuries, averaging 5.9 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in 17 minutes per game. Despite limited playing time, he showed promise as a rebounder, grabbing 10+ rebounds in five games.
7. When was Jarred Vanderbilt drafted and which teams has he played for?
Vanderbilt was selected 41st overall by the Orlando Magic in the 2018 NBA Draft and subsequently traded to the Denver Nuggets. Throughout his seven-season NBA career, he has played for the Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Utah Jazz, and Los Angeles Lakers.
8. What are Jarred Vanderbilt’s NBA career statistics?
Throughout his NBA career, Vanderbilt has averaged approximately 6.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. While not a high-volume scorer, his value comes from his defensive versatility, rebounding ability, and high-energy play style.
9. What is Jarred Vanderbilt known for on the basketball court?
Vanderbilt is primarily known as a high-energy, defensive-minded forward with exceptional rebounding ability. NBA executives and coaches value his motor, versatility to defend multiple positions, and willingness to do the “dirty work” that doesn’t always show up in statistical categories.
10. What unique dietary choices does Jarred Vanderbilt follow?
Jarred Vanderbilt follows a plant-based diet, which is relatively uncommon among professional athletes. This dietary choice demonstrates his commitment to health and physical performance as he maintains the physicality required for his defensive-oriented playing style.
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