The Los Angeles Lakers should trade Jarred Vanderbilt, despite his closer relationship with Luka Doncic. Fans saw their friendship throughout the season, including the superstar wearing Vando’s fit. Doncic has plenty of say over the roster, but it is time to move on from the 6’8 forward if the Lakers want to be serious title contenders.
Vanderbilt was in and out of the rotation this season. He is a plus defender, but his offensive struggles make it difficult to play him significant minutes. The 27-year-old averaged just 4.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 0.8 steals in 17.4 minutes per game this season. He shot 29.3 percent from 3-point range, and he even had a mid-game spat with head coach JJ Redick late in the year.
Vando is set to make $12.4 million next season and has a $13.2 million player option for the 2027-28 campaign. That is entirely too much money for a forward only capable of playing 15 minutes per game. The Lakers should include him as a salary-matcher in a trade and move on. It should be all about winning, even if that means moving on from Luka's friend.
The Lakers must trade Jarred Vanderbilt this offseason
Los Angeles was 2.2 points per 100 possessions better this season with Vando on the bench. He can’t space the floor and offers very little on offense. That makes it hard to fit him into any lineup. Luka Doncic boosts the Lakers' scoring and playmaking, but he needs play finishers around him.
The Lakers have already made it clear they want to build a team similar to the 2024 Mavericks around number 77. Austin Reaves will be in the Kyrie Irving role. LA wants shooting and defense around their two stars. Vanderbilt may provide the defense, but he is a career 29.0 percent 3-point shooter. He just took a career-high 99 threes, but the percentage didn’t improve. The 6’8 forward is a well below-average 3-point shooter, and that isn’t changing.
The Lakers are about to get more expensive. Austin Reaves wants a massive raise. They also have to decide the futures of LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Luke Kennard, Jaxon Hayes, Maxi Kleber, Deandre Ayton, and Marcus Smart. That is the majority of their rotation. Saving the $12.4 million on Vando’s contract is a must to build a serious contender around Luka.
Fans saw the close bond between Doncic and Vanderbilt from the start of the season. They swapped jerseys at practice and the Lakers even used Vando as the buffer between Luka and the referees. Fans can see a few of those moments below.
Luka Vanderbilt & Jarred Dončić 😂
— Luka Updates (@LukaUpdates) October 14, 2025
IG/ Lakers pic.twitter.com/lzzgzFGijw
Jarred Vanderbilt followed Luka to every ref he went up to. This is hilarious.
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) March 17, 2026
Get you a teammate like Vando.pic.twitter.com/RYnWxlhvu1
The Lakers had outstanding chemistry this season, and Vando is known for being a favorite among his teammates. Anthony Edwards has swung the forward’s praises after their time together in Minnesota. Vibes are important, but Vanderbilt makes too much money to remain in Los Angeles.
Vando has negative trade value. The Lakers would have to attach draft capital to dump his contract, so their best bet is to use him as a throw-in as part of a larger trade. LA has three tradeable first-round picks on draft night and a desire to improve their roster. Don’t be surprised to see them make a bold move.
They would need salary-matchers to acquire a difference-maker. That is where Vando’s contract could be perfect. Rob Pelinka would have to part with his draft picks, but fans know teams must give to get in the NBA.
The Los Angeles Lakers must trade Jarred Vanderbilt this summer, even if Luka Doncic wants him to remain on the roster. The 6’8 forward doesn’t produce enough to stick as the Lakers look to make the leap into title contention. They need more depth, defense, and shooting. Vando just doesn’t check enough boxes, so it is time to move on.
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