Grading each Lakers player at the halfway mark of the season

Lakers player grades: The failing class

Jarred Vanderbilt = D+

After missing the team's first 21 games with a lingering ailment of his heel, it took Vando some time to get back into the flow of things with the active roster. The team's post-IST meltdown unfolded shortly after Vanderbilt's return, which does not bode well for his overall impact.

The Lakers will need him to find a way to wreak havoc defensively like he did a season ago or he will find himself buried at the end of the bench before the current campaign's conclusion.

Jaxson Hayes = D

Hayes was never really expected to make a significant impact for the Lakers, but the springy 7-footer had a lot of potential as a backup big in Darvin Ham's rotation. Unfortunately, that potential has not produced much in terms of output and Hayes has primarily found himself on the outside of the rotation looking in as the season has progressed.

Gabe Vincent = F-

Anytime you are being compared to Kendrick Nunn, one of the most loathed Lakers of all-time, you know that you are on the wrong side of the spectrum. Injuries are an unfortunate reality in the NBA, and Vincent's knee has not done him any favors in garnering the hearts of Laker fans.

However, even in the minuscule minutes he has taken the floor the point guard has looked much colder than he did during his time with the Heat.