The Los Angeles Lakers have repeated history in a controversial, yet potentially rewarding manner. On the heels of four losses in five games, head coach JJ Redick made a surprising roster decision by benching D'Angelo Russell and starting Cam Reddish in his place.
It was a stunning development that harkened back to an issue that divided the locker room under Darvin Ham, as well as a clear statement about how Jarred Vanderbilt fits into the rotation.
Russell started the first eight games of the season, but was benched after playing just 22 minutes against the Memphis Grizzlies. He's since operated as the Lakers' sixth man, seemingly finding the offensive rhythm that eluded him as a starter.
Darvin Ham attempted something similar in 2022-23 and 2023-24, but due to a reported lack of communication between player and coach, the locker room was lost.
The hope in 2024-25 is that Redick did more to ensure that he and Russell are on the same page about the decision. If that proves to be the case, then the Lakers may have unlocked a new level of their upside with a simple tweak.
The key to realizing their potential will be reintegrating defensive specialist Jarred Vanderbilt—and Redick's decision to bench Russell suggests that process is already underway.
Jarred Vanderbilt has perfect chance to start for Lakers
Reddish has played well for the Lakers, providing physical defense and a quality scoring punch. He scored 15 points against the Grizzlies and dropped 11 on 5-of-7 shooting during Los Angeles' recent 123-103 win over the Toronto Raptors.
For as solid as Reddish has been, there are 48 million reasons to believe that Vanderbilt will take his place in the starting lineup once he returns from injury.
Vanderbilt is widely regarded as the best perimeter defender on the Lakers. His 7'1" wingspan and remarkable versatility have enabled him to become one of the most valued players on the roster—when he's been able to play.
Unfortunately, Vanderbilt appeared in just 29 games last season and has already missed the first 10 outings of the 2024-25 campaign.
Once Vanderbilt returns from the foot surgeries he underwent during the offseason, however, there's every reason to believe he'll play a prominent role. Even putting his four-year, $48 million contract aside, the Lakers are undeniably better when he's on the court.
In 2023-24, the Lakers were 4.2 points per 100 possessions better when Vanderbilt was on the court than when he wasn't—and allowed 5.2 fewer points per 100 possessions under those circumstnaces.
It's also worth noting that Vanderbilt played 731 possessions alongside Anthony Davis in 2023-24. During that time, the Lakers ranked in the 84th percentile in net rating, outscoring opponents by 6.8 points per 100 possessions.
If Russell is due to play out the season as the sixth man, then Vanderbilt should have every opportunity to revisit past success alongside the starters in 2024-25.