+1.02
One of the biggest areas of weakness for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2023-24 was the absence of a reliable wing defender. It not only resulted in high-level scorers torching the Lakers defense, but shooters knocking down outside shots at virtual will.
Jarred Vanderbilt was limited to just 29 appearances in 2023-24, but when he was active, his impact was clear as one of the best defensive players in the NBA.
Top 5 players in the Wing Stopper defensive role last season in per 100 possession defensive impact (via D-LEBRON):
— Cranjis McBasketball (@Tim_NBA) August 9, 2024
+2.93: Jonathan Isaac
+1.64: Ben Simmons
+1.47: Dean Wade
+1.26: Herb Jones
+1.02: Jarred Vanderbilt
Several of them had injuries limit minutes last season.
Los Angeles finished the 2023-24 regular season ranked No. 28 in three-point field goals allowed per game and per 100 possessions. It was No. 25 in opponent three-point field goal percentage, thus offering firm proof that contesting shots was as big of an issue as allowing them to be attempted.
Vanderbilt provides assistance in both areas, with the length and athleticism to get a hand in a shooter's face, and the IQ and technique to run an opponent off the three-point line.
The D-LEBRON metric is interesting, but even if you're not a fan of all-inclusive statistics, Vanderbilt's wing defense is essential to the Lakers' success. He's not only a gifted defender, but often the last line of perimeter defense for a team that's struggled to find consistency in that area.
If the Lakers are going to return to the ranks of the contenders, then Vanderbilt remaining healthy will be absolutely essential.