The Los Angeles Lakers have won nine straight and look like a serious title threat, which makes it even more important for head coach JJ Redick to keep Jarred Vanderbilt ready. The 6’8 forward has fallen out of the rotation, but his defense will be necessary in a playoff series against one of the elite scorers in the Western Conference. Even if just for a change of pace, Vando must be ready, and that means playing him over the final 11 regular-season games.
Redick has a crowded wing group at his disposal. Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James will all play massive minutes, which creates a crunch for the rest of the roster. Luke Kennard is making Rob Pelinka look like a genius. Redick also needs to find minutes for Rui Hachimura and Jake LaRavia. It is no easy task, but keeping everyone ready for the playoffs is a must.
There will be no easy matchup. The Lakers will draw the Rockets, Nuggets, or Timberwolves in the opening round of the playoffs. It means a battle against Anthony Edwards, Kevin Durant, or Nikola Jokic in round one. Vando is the Lakers' best option to guard any of those three superstars one-on-one, so coach Redick needs to get him playing time.
JJ Redick needs to get Jarred Vanderbilt back in the Lakers' rotation
The Lakers have won nine straight and 12 of their last 13 games. They are arguably the hottest team in the NBA thanks to improved defense and shot-making. Luka Doncic certainly deserves more credit, especially for leading a top ten defense over this run. LA is using a lot of zone and playing connected on that end of the floor.
When the gimmicks fail over a playoff series, the Lakers will need to turn to Vando to get a stop. He played off the bench against the Knicks and Timberwolves because they needed his defense. The Lakers won both games and got production from the 26-year-old in a limited role.
Vanderbilt is a flawed player. He can’t consistently make shots or handle the ball. Having a non-factor on offense in the playoffs is a problem, but the Lakers have three superstars capable of carving up any defense. Kennard and Hachimura have been elite shooters all season. Redick can find a way to make it work with Vando offensively for a limited stretch, especially if the purple and gold are struggling to slow down a superstar scorer.
Redick has opted against using Vanderbilt in five consecutive games, and the Lakers have won every time. The coach is making the right decision, but he can’t lose the 6’8 wing known for his defense entirely. LA will need options in the playoffs, and changes will be necessary. If Vando hasn’t played in more than a month, the Lakers can’t expect him to come in and be productive when called upon.
JJ Redick has leaned into a nine-man rotation as the Los Angeles Lakers have taken off. It is time for the coach to widen things a bit and give others opportunities. The purple and gold will need more players to make a deep playoff run.
It is on Redick and the coaching staff to keep them engaged and locked in. Winning helps, but Jarred Vanderbilt needs some minutes down the stretch to thrive in his playoff opportunity. Hopefully, coach Redick agrees and quickly makes a shift.