Jarred Vanderbilt got paid like an impactful role player when the Los Angeles Lakers gave him a four-year, $48 million extension that started in 2024. After injuries held him down, Vando has returned to being just that for the Lakers. JJ Redick cannot turn away from using him in the rotation anymore.
The Lakers managed to secure an impressive 120-114 comeback victory against the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday at Crypto.com Arena. Vanderbilt chipped in seven points, shooting 3-of-7 from the field, seven rebounds, three assists, and one block in the win. That included some important fourth quarter minutes for Los Angeles.
Deandre Ayton, who enjoyed a nice bounce-back performance against the Grizzlies, sang his teammate's praises loudly after the game was over. The Lakers center clearly understood what his high motor teammate brings to every matchup.
Ayton said, "Having Vando out there, ... [it's] him being just an effort guy. Him and Marcus [Smart], having those guys make second efforts, it's contagious. It's black and white, to where the team needs it. That's how we get our offense going."
Jarred Vanderbilt is making it impossible for the Lakers to bench him again
Vanderbilt was yanked from the rotation midway through November. It took about a month for the Lakers forward to become a regular fixture for Los Angeles once more.
A lot of that has to do with injuries. Vanderbilt got his opportunity to play important minutes again due to absent bodies. However, the man earning close $11.6 million this season has proven himself as playing up to his price tag. Even when everyone is available, Redick should have a spot for Vando.
Vanderbilt got nearly 22 minutes off the bench on Sunday. That has been more or less the norm over his last nine games since returning from banishment. Vando has averaged 22.7 minutes during that stretch.
What has the 26-year-old done with those minutes? Apart from that infectious effort described by Ayton, Vanderbilt has also delivered in the box score.
The offensive end has looked a lot better for the Lakers forward. Vanderbilt is averaging 6.6 points per game, shooting 50.0 percent from the field and 44.0 percent from beyond the arc.
The figure from 3-point land is coming on only 2.8 attempts per game, but it remains encouraging all the same. The two-way impact has been just that — existent on both ends.
Vanderbilt has also added 5.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game during the last nine games. There are some guys that just make your team better by being out there and doing the dirty work. The high-energy forward is exactly that for the Lakers.