Jarred Vanderbilt recently opened up about his situation with the LA Lakers and being out of coach JJ Redick’s rotation. Vanderbilt, who played in the team’s first 14 games due to injuries, found himself benched once the team got healthy. In a media availability session, Vanderbilt revealed that he had sporadic conversations with Redick and his staff about his reduced role.
The 6-foot-8 forward, who is currently on a four-year, $48 million contract, expressed his surprise at his brief appearance in the recent game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite playing only three minutes and contributing minimally, Vanderbilt remains focused on controlling what he can and supporting the team.
The Lakers have been struggling defensively, as evidenced by their recent loss to the San Antonio Spurs. Redick acknowledged the team’s defensive woes and mentioned that they are exploring all options to address the issue. He hinted that Vanderbilt could see more playing time if the defensive struggles persist.
Vanderbilt’s defensive prowess could be valuable for the Lakers, but his offensive limitations have hindered his playing time. With a career 28.6% 3-point shooting percentage, Vanderbilt needs to improve offensively to earn a spot in the rotation consistently.
Acquired via a trade in February 2023, Vanderbilt signed a four-year deal with the Lakers in the subsequent offseason. Redick remains optimistic about Vanderbilt’s chances of returning to the rotation, especially if the team’s defensive performance does not improve.
As the Lakers continue to navigate their season, Vanderbilt’s role remains uncertain. However, with Redick keeping an eye on potential lineup changes, Vanderbilt might get another opportunity to showcase his skills on the court. Stay tuned for updates on Vanderbilt’s status with the team as the season progresses.
