6 Crucial Lakers who prove this isn't the same team from a season ago

Jarred Vanderbilt

A case could be made that the single biggest development of the Los Angeles Lakers' 2023-24 season was the loss of Jarred Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt had established himself as one of the top defenders on the team in 2022-23, and was rewarded for those efforts with a four-year extension.

If Vanderbilt is able to stay healthy in 2024-25, then it stands to reason that the Lakers should be an entirely different team on the defensive end of the floor.

With Anthony Davis operating as the defensive anchor, the Lakers managed to weather the storm to some degree. Los Angeles ranked No. 17 in defensive rating, which Davis deserves an endless amount of credit for orchestrating, if not salvaging, when the team could've been much worse.

In 2023-24, Davis was not only the Lakers' rim protector, but he contested more three-point field goals than any center in the NBA—and ranked in the top 20 overall.

With Vanderbilt on the court, Davis could be more selective in his rotations and make his presence felt even more as a rim protector. Vanderbilt showcased the ability to switch against the pick and roll before his injury, which creates even more flexibility for Davis.

Throw in the facts that the Lakers were dead last in offensive rebounding last season and Vanderbilt boasts a career average of 3.6 offensive boards per 36 minutes, and his return to the rotation should have a profound impact on the team.

Playing just 29 games with Vanderbilt in 2023-24 is Exhibit A of how returning with the same roster doesn't necessarily mean playing with the same team.