Lakers predicted to part ways with $54M disappointing defensive menace to clear roster spot

The Los Angeles Lakers were one of the most active teams in free agency right out of the gates, adding players such as Walker Kessler, Collin Sexton and Quentin Grimes. They have also made several other additions while moving some players off the roster.

The Lakers are looking to finally put together a strong regular season and postseason run around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. However, they currently have one more player than the roster limit allows, which means a move will eventually have to be made.

“There are, however, obvious holes. With 16 roster spots, the Lakers would need to get rid of at least one player, though they can carry as many as 20 through training camp in October," Heavy.com's Sean Deveney wrote.

Los Angeles is looking to move some contracts before that point arrives. By trading players, the Lakers could avoid having to waive anyone. Jarred Vanderbilt and Dalton Knecht have been on the trade block for some time.

“The Lakers are actively shopping Dalton Knecht and Jarred Vanderbilt in trade talks. After gaining two second-round picks in the Deandre Ayton trade, Los Angeles could consolidate those assets in a deal immediately for a starting-caliber wing," NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.

If it does come down to a situation where the Lakers have to move on from someone, Lake Show Life’s Svyatoslav Rovenchuk believes Jarred Vanderbilt could be the odd man out.

“Jarred Vanderbilt has two years and roughly $25.7 million left on his current contract. It is easily the worst deal on the Lakers' cap books. Los Angeles could get to 15 players with a waive-and-stretch of that remaining money. In the grand scheme of things, the Lakers may actually be better off trying to offload Vanderbilt as an expiring contract next offseason. That would come with less negative penalties to the franchise. However, if they must pull the trigger now, for a lack of better alternatives, they can,” Rovenchuk wrote.

Vanderbilt lost a significant amount of playing time last season, largely because of his limitations as a shooter. His defense remains a major strength, but when he is on the court, the Lakers need him to contribute offensively, and he has struggled to do so consistently.

Vanderbilt was an important piece for the Lakers during his first two seasons, but last season could have provided a glimpse of what his future with the team looks like if he remains on the roster. Allowing Vanderbilt to get a fresh start elsewhere could ultimately benefit both sides.

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