Jarred Vanderbilt is finally healthy again for the Los Angeles Lakers, and the results have been easy to see on the floor during the preseason. There have only been two games thus far, but the Lakers forward has easily played the part of the most active player on the floor for Los Angeles.
The Lakers lost 103-111 against the Golden State Warriors in their second matchup of the preseason. Wins and losses are ultimately not how one measures preseason. The tune-up games are used to find vital information about the members of the team, coaching schemes, etc.
One of the biggest takeaways thus far has been how great Vanderbilt looks during the preseason. The counting stats against the Warriors included nine points, seven rebounds, four assists, three steals, shooting 4-of-8 from the field.
Halftime: Warriors 62, Lakers 55
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) October 6, 2025
The shorthanded Lakers hung around with Golden State's regulars for a half (GS is resting its starters in the second half). Gabe Vincent has 16 points and 4 assists. Vando is everywhere -- 9 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals. DK has 8.
The real point of focus though is the defense and hustle. The Lakers currently lack that sort of presence among their starting lineup. While the attention surrounding the fifth starter has been mostly between Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart, and even Jake LaRavia (to a lesser extent), Vanderbilt is proving himself worth a strong look.
Lakers preseason unveiling Jarred Vanderbilt hype is very real
A lot of training camp and preseason had Lakers players and coaches all saying the same thing: this has been the best Vanderbilt has looked in a long time. That much is quickly proving to be true.
Vanderbilt made his impact with his relentless defensive pressure during the 2023 postseason run to the Western Conference Finals for the Lakers. That was the best version of the two-way forward this franchise has gotten until now.
Jarred Vanderbilt has been everywhere!
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) October 6, 2025
Having that sort of defensive stopper would patch a major hole among the starters in Los Angeles. Granted, basketball runs both ways, and Vanderbilt's problem in recent years has been his offense. However, making an impact on that end is a lot easier once Luka Doncic is back on the floor.
Vanderbilt has never been a strong offensive player. There have even been times when the term 'black hole' would have been a fair assessment of his play on that end.
A version of Vanderbilt that has his athleticism back under him is one that can make cuts towards the basket when defenses forget about him. That is something Doncic can take advantage of.
Adding a reliable 3-point jumper certainly would not hurt either. There has been some excitement regarding that shot coming along, but those results have not fully materialized on the court just yet.
Still, throwing Vanderbilt among the starters would allow the Lakers a player to build defensive gameplans around. The veteran forward is certainly not the perfect option. However, for a team that is begging for a perimeter stopper, Vanderbilt should not be ignored completely.