Even though it’s been 312 days since Jarred Vanderbilt has suited up in a Los Angeles Lakers uniform, he is still one of, if not the most impactful players on the roster.
Vanderbilt brought grit, hustle, and defensive versatility to a Lakers team that badly needed those qualities.
2023 WCF Run
It wasn’t that long ago when the Lakers made a deep playoff run that came to a halt to the eventual Denver Nuggets in 2023, and Vanderbilt had a big role in that run. He was the primary defender on Ja Morant in the first round, given his size and length to slow Morant down. He hounded Stephen Curry in the second round, holding him under 43% from the field four times out of the six games in the series.
Since that playoff run, we’ve barely seen Vanderbilt. He was sidelined in the first couple of weeks of the 2023-2024 season due to left heel bursitis and has had nagging injuries since. Vanderbilt hasn’t played a game this season, given that he was eyeing opening the season with the Lakers. Now, with a 13-11 record, the Lakers harshly feel his presence.
Without Vanderbilt, the Lakers’ defense has been noticeably weaker. The Lakers rank in the bottom half of every defensive stat. They have a defensive rating of 117.1 this season, even worse than their 115.3. Opponents are finding it easier to attack the Lakers’ guards, going downhill and attacking the rim, leaving all the defensive pressure on Anthony Davis to clean up the perimeter defense mess.
Missing Piece
Vanderbilt’s return is easily what the Lakers need to turn their season around.
No player on the roster has more defensive versatility besides Anthony Davis. When Vanderbilt was on the floor in the 2023-2024 season, the Lakers allowed 109.4 points per 100 possessions compared to 115.1 points per 100 possessions when he was not on the floor.
Even with recent reports saying Vanderbilt’s return may be delayed again due to fluid in his knee, Laker fans should still be excited about his imminent return. The Lakers desperately need defense now, as their offense can only keep them competitive for so long.
For the Lakers to recapture the defensive identity that made them a dangerous team during their fairly recent Western Conference Finals run, they will need Vanderbilt back at full strength for now. His truly missed defensive presence will continue to leave a glaring hole in a Lakers team with championship aspirations, a small window and a nearly 40-year-old LeBron James.
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