Coming out of the trade deadline and entering the All-Star break, the Los Angeles Lakers are in an excellent position. The team is finally healthy and Luka Doncic is playing himself into form, right in time for the Lakers to go on a run before the postseason.
At the same time, it will take some time for JJ Redick to figure some things out. Making a massive change like Anthony Davis for Doncic in the middle of the season when teams barely have any time to practice is difficult. It was made even more difficult when the Lakers had to rescind the Mark Williams trade with the Hornets.
The frontcourt rotation is highly questionable. Jaxson Hayes and Alex Len are the only traditional centers on the roster and their playoff viability is a big question mark.
Therefore, Redick will have to rely on a ton of small-ball lineups. The Lakers need to perfect these units in time for the playoffs and one Laker will play a crucial role there.
Jarred Vanderbilt Must Play as Many Minutes as He Can Handle After the All-Star Break
Jarred Vanderbilt, having returned from injury and suited up for nine games already, is going to be key to the Lakers' success.
As they are currently constructed, the Lakers are low on defensive versatility. Vanderbilt is arguably their best and most versatile defender as he has the ability to guard multiple positions and play different schemes. He also has the size, length, and athleticism combination that is rare on the Lakers roster.
Vanderbilt is an offensive liability, but playing next to Austin Reaves, LeBron James, and Luka Doncic will certainly diminish those deficiencies. His lack of shooting and scoring is less of a problem if he is playing center. He also allows Redick to switch everything defensively, which could help the Lakers punch above their weight on that end of the floor.
Since his return, Vando has played 16.6 minutes per game. Once he ramps up his workload, he should play as many minutes as he can handle. Playing Vanderbilt over 20 minutes per game at the expense of Hayes and Len would likely benefit the Lakers in the final two months of the regular season.