Jarred Vanderbilt had one of the worst offensive seasons of his career in 2025-26. It landed him in JJ Redick's doghouse on a frequent basis. Securing a consistent role in the Los Angeles Lakers rotation this season involves playing both ends for Vando.
The Lakers forward knows it just as well as anyone. Vanderbilt was asked at Media Day what his focus was over the summer. The answer to that question was largely focused on the offensive end of the basketball court.
"With the new offense, we put a little bit of a different style of offense in. So, just working on — obviously — shooting, ball-handling, and just finishing around the rim. Also, just watching film on decision-making and playmaking on both ends of the floor.
Defense was not a complete afterthought for Vanderbilt in that conversation, but he was absolutely right to have the majority of the discussion centered around offense. Vando is still a positive on the defensive side of the court. Maintaining his two-way value will be the key to any hopes of redemption for him in 2026-27.
Jarred Vanderbilt must deliver on the offensive end to play for the Lakers
There is stiff competition for Vanderbilt in terms of seeing the court for the Lakers in 2026-27. JJ Redick has been pretty excited about the depth of the new roster in Los Angeles, and a lot of that has had to do with the revamped group on the wings.
Ziaire Williams, Matisse Thybulle, Cameron Carr, Adou Thiero, and Jake LaRavia are just some of the guys Vanderbilt will need to compete with for minutes. Last season's mixed bag of production does not afford him the benefit of the doubt. The veteran forward will need to earn it once more.
Opposing defenses were more than comfortable leaving Vanderbilt mostly uncovered on offense in 2025-26. If Vando is sitting at the 3-point line, he is completely wide open. When the Lakers vet slips in for an opportunity down low due to laxed coverage, he is not always good for the bucket.
It has been a shame, because Vanderbilt is still full of energy on the defensive end and on the glass for Los Angeles. It would be great for the Lakers to reap the rewards of that without completely sacrificing what they can get on the offensive end.
It is hard to win basketball games playing 4 versus 5 on the attack.
Vanderbilt understands what the blueprint is for him to get on the court this season. It now becomes a matter of actually seeing whether there is a deliverable to go with that focused effort.
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