The Los Angeles Lakers’ Slovenia trip produced plenty of noteworthy moments, including Luka Doncic often spotted hanging out with Jarred Vanderbilt. From hitting the golf course together to Vando riding in the passenger’s seat with Doncic behind the wheel, the superstar was often spending time with the forward who’s been in trade rumors (subscription required). Given the Lakers’ recent turmoil, this is just another reason to keep Vando.
The roster is built around Luka. They added Walker Kessler to give Doncic the center he has wanted since arriving in Los Angeles. The Lakers got younger and more athletic by adding Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton, and Ziaire Williams. This team is built to maximize Doncic, but keeping him happy is just as important as the on-court fits around him.
The Lakers have been rumored to be interested in Jonathan Kuminga. Acquiring him would mean sending Vando and the lone first-round pick swap Los Angeles has out. It would be a bold move for a player that hasn’t accepted his role in the NBA. The Slovenia trip proves the Lakers are likely better off sticking with Vanderbilt.
Luka Doncic’s close relationship with Jarred Vanderbilt gives Lakers a reason to keep him
Vando is set to make $12.4 million this season, and the 6’8 forward has a $13.2 million player option for the 2027-28 campaign. It is a negative-value contract that the Lakers would have to attach draft capital to if they decide to move on.
Los Angeles has just three second-round draft picks and one first-round swap to trade. They want to build a title contender around Luka and just remade their roster. It doesn’t seem wise to send out the last remaining pieces right now. The Lakers should see what holes they have and attack them before the deadline.
The Lakers should be in no rush to trade Vando. They dumped Dorian Finney-Smith just months after Doncic arrived, despite their close relationship. It turned out to be the right call, but Doncic’s happiness should be most important, especially with ownership changing hands for the second time in a short window.
Jarred Vanderbilt can play a limited role for the Lakers
Lakers fans know what to expect from Vando after three and a half years on their roster. He is a stout defender and rebounder, but his offensive game is a problem. Vando has shot just 29.3 percent from long range over 191 attempts with the purple and gold. The 6’8 forward is a man without a position on offense. He can’t space the floor, make plays, or attack closeouts. The Lakers need to find him on cuts and use him as a connector to get positive impact.
Los Angeles had a plus-2.9 net rating with Vando on the floor last season. They were 1.4 points per 100 possessions better without him, but that is not uncommon for a reserve.
The Lakers need his defense even more after losing LeBron James and Rui Hachimura. Head coach JJ Redick’s options at the four are Jake LaRavia, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Vando, or going small. There will be situations where LA needs Vando’s chops, especially in matchups against bigger forwards like Kevin Durant or Kawhi Leonard.
Luka Doncic just gave the Los Angeles Lakers the only reason they need to keep Jarred Vanderbilt. The duo is clearly close, and keeping their superstar happy should be the franchise’s top priority. Keep Vando on vibes alone.
The Lakers improved their roster around Luka and can take their time to assess their holes. Vando’s contract will only get more tradeable, so Los Angeles should keep him through the start of this season. Luka alone makes this a no-brainer decision.
Add us as a preferred source on Google