The Los Angeles Lakers have no choice but to play Jarred Vanderbilt significant minutes after the season-ending injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. It is a nightmare scenario for LA. They were hot and looking like a serious title threat before their two stars went down in the same game. This likely crushes their playoff hopes, but opens the door for Vando to get significant run.
The fan favorite has been in and out of the rotation this season. He hasn't played more than 20 minutes in back-to-back games since mid-January. Fans know the 6’8 wing is a stout defender who struggles on the offensive end. His lack of shooting makes Vanderbilt a problematic fit next to Luka, but the Lakers have no choice but to trust him now.
The rotation is in shambles. Marcus Smart has missed seven straight games with an ankle injury, and fans can only hope he is ready for the playoffs. LeBron James is the number one option, and Vanderbilt looks like the sixth man. He isn’t the only fan favorite in line for minutes nobody thought possible, and supporters should be interested to see how the role players perform.
Jarred Vanderbilt is one of the first players off the bench for the Lakers
Head coach JJ Redick figures to start LeBron, Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia, and Rui Hachimura. The fifth spot will be filled by Smart if he returns. With the veteran guard still out, Luke Kennard and Bronny James are Redick’s options. Beyond that, his first two players off the bench are Jaxson Hayes and Vanderbilt. Don’t be surprised to see Vando playing 25 minutes every night and trying to prove he should stick in Los Angeles.
The Lakers have cap space this summer and want to build the roster around Luka Doncic. During the Mavericks 2024 NBA Finals run, Dallas had success putting shooting and defense next to number 77. Austin Reaves needs a new contract to be locked in as the second star. Then, the Lakers will be searching for a center upgrade and 3-and-D wings to round out the roster.
Vanderbilt must sink open looks and find a niche on offense. Fans know he can defend multiple positions and make an impact there. Coach Redick doesn’t trust him because it is a struggle to find an offensive role that doesn’t have LA playing four on five in the halfcourt.
Vando averages 17.5 minutes per game this season. He hasn’t consistently played more than 20 since 2023.
The Lakers need to give him a larger role than the 6’8 forward has played in LA. He helped the Timberwolves make the playoffs in 2022, while playing 25 minutes per game. The purple and gold need that version if they are going to have any shot at winning in the first round of the playoffs and advancing far enough for Luka Doncic to return this season.
Jarred Vanderbilt will get more minutes than anyone expected on the Los Angeles Lakers after injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. It was the worst timing. Both stars are set to miss a month-plus just two weeks before the playoffs begin.
The door is wide open for Vando and Bronny James to go from fan favorites to key contributors. Both players must seize the opportunity. They will have plenty of support. Hopefully, that is enough to rise to the occasion.