4 Los Angeles Lakers players facing make-or-break seasons in 2024-25

Jarred Vanderbilt

The Los Angeles Lakers were banking on a healthy Jarred Vanderbilt helping Anthony Davis anchor the defense in 2023-24. It's why they signed him to a four-year, $48 million contract after he appeared in just 26 games following his 2023 trade deadline acquisition.

Unfortunately, Vanderbilt was available for just 29 games during the 2023-24 regular season and continued to struggle with injuries during the playoffs.

Vanderbilt made his 2023-24 debut on December 2 and was on the shelf again by February 2. It was a frustrating season for a player who had become the proverbial wing-stopper in Los Angeles during his 55 games of availability between his first season-and-a-half with the team.

Even with injuries hindering him in 2023-24, he made his presence known when available as the Lakers were 5.2 points per 100 possessions better on defense when he was on the court.

In 2024-25, the Lakers need a healthy Vanderbilt to thrive on the defensive end of the floor. He's their best wing defender, as well as a versatile player who can switch onto bigs and at least adequately prevent them from getting easy shots inside.

Throw in the fact that Vanderbilt is a productive offensive rebounder at 3.6 per 36 minutes for his career, and Los Angeles ranked dead last in the category in 2023-24, and his presence was missed.