The Los Angeles Lakers desperately need more size, defensive versatility, and athleticism. While they added Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, and Jake LaRavia this summer to help alleviate some of those concerns, all three players come with serious question marks. Plus, exactly how much help Ayton and LaRavia will provide on the defense front is still unclear. Despite that uncertainty, the Lakers may be getting an unexpected contribution from a forgotten member of the team.
On Wednesday, head coach JJ Redick teased the secret weapon he may have that addresses some of these concerns. ESPN's Dave McMenamin shared a video of Redick talking about Jarred Vanderbilt, saying that he looks like the "pre-injury version" of himself and that there is a massive difference between the way Vando is moving right now versus last season.
Redick also mentioned that the Lakers hope to ramp up their defensive ball pressure this season. The plan is to feature Vanderbilt, along with Marcus Smart, as on-ball disrupters, according to team insider Jovan Buha.
Lakers' Jarred Vanderbilt May Be X-Factor for Los Angeles
If Vando can stay healthy for long stretches of the season, the Lakers could benefit from his defensive ability. With his size, mobility, and athleticism, Vando can be a true difference-maker on that end of the floor. He is versatile, can guard multiple positions, and is a very active help defender, protecting the rim and forcing turnovers.
That, however, is a big "if". Vanderbilt has missed over half the season in each of his two full years in Los Angeles, only playing a total of 65 games. For a forward who plays with a lot of physicality, Vando being at his peak form is especially important. Lakers fans have only seen that from him in short spurts, but a fully healthy season from Vando could change the team's outlook.
With the Luka Doncic-Austin Reaves backcourt, the Lakers need as much defense and size around them as possible. The perimeter defense will have holes as long as Reaves or Doncic is on the court. Players like Vanderbilt, who can fly around on defense and plug those holes, are essential for the Lakers to have a solid defense.
Yet, it's not Vanderbilt's defense that will keep him on the court. He needs to make enough shots and not be a total liability on the other end to earn his minutes. He is not a threat from the outside, so he at least needs to make some plays inside the arc, but his finishing is not where it needs to be. If he can make enough hustle plays, get some offensive rebounds, and hit a few shots when he is left absolutely wide open, Vando will have a large role. Whether he can do that will be a big factor in determining how good the Lakers' defense will be.