Jared Vanderbilt’s defensive skills might provide a much-needed boost to the Lakers’ struggling defense. With guard Austin Reaves sidelined for about a week due to a mild left calf strain, Vanderbilt could rejoin the rotation to help shore up the team’s defensive weaknesses. The Lakers hope to see immediate improvement when they face the Phoenix Suns in Phoenix on Sunday afternoon. Standing 6-foot-8, Vanderbilt is eager to make a positive impact in that game.
“I’m definitely committed,” he said following Saturday’s practice. “There are things we’ve been missing, and I believe we can compensate for them.”
Over the last 10 games, Vanderbilt only played three minutes against the Philadelphia 76ers, after teammate Jake LaRabia suffered a facial injury. Meanwhile, LeBron James’ return and Vanderbilt’s offensive limitations have contributed to his reduced playing time, even as the Lakers have been winning games mostly without him in the lineup.
Vanderbilt has made just 3-of-10 three-point attempts this season over 15 games. When asked about his mindset, he responded, “Good. I focus on what I can control, show up, do my part, and keep supporting the team.”
When asked about his role, Vanderbilt admitted it felt uncertain. He has been working on his shooting with assistant coaches after practices, both when playing and when sidelined.
Coach J.J. Redick said Reaves wasn’t aware of his calf injury during the game against the San Antonio Spurs and emphasized caution in his recovery. Reaves is expected to miss a week due to a mild Grade 1 contusion, with no deep damage.
The Lakers reviewed their last 10 games for defensive issues during film sessions. Despite their 17-7 record, their defense has been lacking this season. Vanderbilt acknowledged that while the team was winning, their defense wasn’t solid, and now is the time to address those problems to prevent further decline.
Currently, the Lakers rank 18th in the league for points allowed (116.8 per game), 22nd in opponent field goal percentage (48.1%), and 27th in opponent three-point shooting percentage (38.2%).
Their upcoming game against the Suns at Crypto.com Arena will be a challenge, as the Lakers struggled to contain Suns players Colin Gallinari and Dillon Brooks in previous matchups. The Lakers have lost three of their last five games, with defensive lapses being a key issue.
Guard Marcus Smart highlighted the team’s defensive struggles, stressing the need for better guarding to compete in the tough Western Conference. This focus on defense is crucial for the Lakers to maintain competitiveness and achieve their goals this season.
Fan Take: Jared Vanderbilt’s potential return is a crucial opportunity for the Lakers to tighten their defense, a key factor many fans have been concerned about. If he can help stabilize the team’s defensive efforts, it could not only change the trajectory of the Lakers’ season but also signal a renewed commitment to defense in the NBA’s offensively dominant era.
