What is this? A write-up looking fondly on what Jarred Vanderbilt can offer from someone who spent most of the offseason discussing just how bad the contract of the Los Angeles Lakers forward was? Is this truly real? It is.
Make no mistake about it, $12.4 million is still a large sum of money to be paying up for Vanderbilt's services this year, and the Lakers would have been better off if they could have disposed of it. Since that may not be possible for a little while longer, why not squeeze what you can out of Vando?
Kevon Looney has been rough to start the season. Many were calling for an upgrade at backup center throughout a preseason of Looney struggling. Nothing got done, and the Lakers entered 2026-27 with the former Golden State Warriors champion as a key option in the frontcourt.
Given what has been on display throughout the first three games, it is genuinely worth asking if Vanderbilt would not be the better option of the two to feature. Sure, Vando has plenty of shortcomings himself. Is he really the worse option of the players in question here?
Jarred Vanderbilt can still offer the Lakers energy, rebounding, and defense
Just to be clear, this is a short-term conversation. When the Lakers get Adou Thiero back from his knee injury, there should be a hope that neither Looney or Vanderbilt are touching the court much (with all due respect). Until then...
Vanderbilt may have a ton of flaws as an offensive player. Mainly, he does not add much to speak of on that end. Does Looney?
The appeal of playing Vanderbilt over Looney comes from a few key aspects. Running through them, let us start with the overall energy that Vando brings. That factors in all over the court, whether it be on the boards or as a defender.
Speaking of the latter, Vanderbilt should still offer decent upside as a defensive option. Vando is strong enough to scale up on the immediate matchups that Sandro Mamukelashvili may struggle with down low. The Lakers forward also gives his coach someone who is reasonably switchable on that end.
Based on how Redick has deployed the rotations in recent times, it is clear the bench boss in Los Angeles is only really going to look in Vanderbilt's direction during times of absolute necessity. This could very well be one of those instances. At the very least, it is worth an internal conversation.
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