The Los Angeles Lakers face challenges this season due to injuries to Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves and the fallout from a major trade. However, the resurgence of Jarred Vanderbilt, who has struggled with consistency, offers some hope. Despite playing only 15 games this season, Vanderbilt recently showcased his potential in a crucial game against the LA Clippers, contributing eight points and nine rebounds. His defensive abilities and rebounding skills are vital for a Lakers team that ranks poorly in second-chance points. As they navigate their current roster challenges, a healthy Vanderbilt could be critical for the team’s success.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been contemplating the potential of a healthy rotation for months. However, a major trade dashed any hopes of discovering what could have been, and with Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves recently sidelined due to injuries, the timing couldn’t be worse. Fortunately, solutions are starting to emerge.
So far this season, Los Angeles has adeptly navigated challenges, and with a healthy Jarred Vanderbilt stepping up, there’s hope they can maintain their winning streak.
Despite playing in just 15 of the Lakers’ 59 games this season, Vanderbilt’s absence has contributed to the uncertainty surrounding the team. He had previously established himself as a valuable wing-defender and is poised to validate the four-year, $48 million contract extension he signed in 2023.
Having participated in only 44 of Los Angeles’ last 141 regular-season games, Vanderbilt still has something to prove.
Fortunately, the veteran forward is starting to find his rhythm again at a crucial moment for the Lakers. With Hachimura sidelined and Dorian Finney-Smith added to the starting lineup, the team’s need for forward depth has brought Vanderbilt and Dalton Knecht into the spotlight.
While Knecht has been making headlines for scoring 19 points in the Lakers’ latest victory, Vanderbilt deserves significant recognition as well.
Jarred Vanderbilt reminded Lakers of why they invested $48 million in him
Entering March, Vanderbilt was struggling to achieve the consistency the Lakers needed. He had shown glimpses of defensive prowess, but his season debut on January 25 meant that patience was essential.
On Sunday, March 2, Vanderbilt delivered his standout performance of the 2024-25 regular season in the Lakers’ 108-102 victory over the LA Clippers.
Vanderbilt contributed significantly off the bench, logging 22 minutes with eight points, nine rebounds, five offensive boards, one assist, and two steals. The Lakers outperformed the Clippers by 10 points while he was on the floor, and his defensive impact was just part of the equation.
He secured five of the team’s 11 offensive rebounds and scored six of his eight points during the second half, when Los Angeles only managed 52 points as a unit.
This performance showcased what Vanderbilt is capable of delivering on a nightly basis. His defensive skills are well-recognized, and the combination of him and Dorian Finney-Smith promises to be a formidable pair on the defensive end.
Additionally, Vanderbilt boasts career averages of 2.0 offensive rebounds per game and 3.6 per 36 minutes, statistics that hold substantial significance.
Currently, Los Angeles ranks 26th in the NBA for second-chance points and 27th for offensive rebounds. The trade of Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic has compounded these issues, emphasizing the need for a healthy Vanderbilt to fulfill his potential.
In a recent matchup against the Clippers, Vanderbilt demonstrated that he is nearly back to the level the Lakers require him to be.