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Jan 23, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; The Los Angeles Lakers logo at midcourt at the Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Los Angeles Lakers have several one-dimensional players who will continue to be detrimental to their championship chances as long as they’re on the roster.
While Los Angeles may not succeed in getting rid of all of them, Lake Show Life’s Svyatoslav Rovenchuk believes that cutting ties with a 27-year-old forward with a non-existent three-point jump shot should be a priority.
“Jarred Vanderbilt’s best days may already be behind him,” Rovenchuk wrote Monday. “After years of navigating injuries, the Lakers forward remains a solid energy guy, but not much more beyond that.”
“Vanderbilt still has two years remaining on an unflattering $48 million deal. This should poise him to be a salary-matching tool for Pelinka when the moment arises to get a real upgrade during the offseason.”
“Much like the rest of the players on here, Vando just does not satisfy what Doncic needs moving forward. Even when his defense is on, his offense rarely follows, limiting the two-way upside needed around Luka (Doncic).”
Developing a three-point shot undoubtedly would have helped Vanderbilt remain in JJ Redick’s rotation this season. Being a high-level, switchable defender with advantageous physical tools is a significant plus, but it isn’t enough to earn regular minutes on a win-now Lakers squad.
Although Vanderbilt has been featured in offseason workout videos splashing corner threes with no hesitation, it hasn’t translated to the big leagues. The Kentucky product shot 29.3% from three in 65 games, marking the third consecutive campaign he’s connected on less than 30% of his long-range jumpers.
Simply, Vanderbilt’s perimeter shooting woes could motivate the Lakers to trade him before the start of next season.
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