Why Jarred Vanderbilt Has Been Sidelined - And Why That Could Change for the Lakers
If you’ve been watching the Lakers closely over the past couple of weeks, you might’ve noticed something - or rather, someone - missing. Forward Jarred Vanderbilt hasn’t seen the floor in the last six games, and while LeBron James’ return from a bout with sciatica has grabbed most of the headlines, Vanderbilt’s absence hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Head coach JJ Redick addressed the situation earlier this week, offering some clarity on what’s going on with Vanderbilt - and more importantly, what might be next.
Redick’s Rotation Reality
According to Redick, this isn’t about Vanderbilt falling out of favor or not showing up in practice. In fact, quite the opposite.
“He’s been a pro,” Redick said. “He’s been great in our most recent stay-ready scrimmage. He’s been a great teammate.”
But Redick also laid out the hard truth of the current Lakers rotation: numbers. With LeBron back and the team leaning into a nine-man rotation, there simply hasn’t been room to slot Vanderbilt in - at least not without disrupting the rhythm of a group that’s been winning games.
“When you’re winning, it’s tough to shake up the rotation,” Redick explained. “There were some lineup combinations we had to move away from when we were dealing with injuries, and unfortunately, Vando got caught in that shuffle. In some ways, he was an innocent bystander.”
That’s the tough part of coaching - balancing chemistry, health, and performance while keeping guys engaged and ready. Redick made it clear he empathizes with Vanderbilt’s situation and hasn’t ruled out a return to the rotation, whether due to injury or matchup needs.
The Vanderbilt Conundrum
Vanderbilt’s situation is one that’s plagued many role players in today’s NBA: elite on one side of the ball, limited on the other.
Defensively, he brings a lot to the table. He’s long, mobile, and can guard multiple positions - a valuable asset for a Lakers team that doesn’t exactly overflow with speed or athleticism. He’s also a high-energy rebounder, capable of cleaning the glass and sparking transition opportunities.
But offensively, Vanderbilt’s game has always had its limitations. He’s a career 28.8% shooter from three, and that lack of spacing can bog down halfcourt sets.
While he can be effective in transition - either finishing or occasionally pushing the ball himself - his impact in the halfcourt is minimal. In a league where floor spacing is king, that’s a challenge for any coach trying to build efficient lineups.
What the Numbers Say
So far this season, Vanderbilt is averaging 4.6 points on 44% shooting from the field, along with 5.6 rebounds in 18.4 minutes per game. Those aren’t eye-popping stats, but they do reflect the kind of hustle and effort he brings when he’s on the floor.
The question, then, is whether that energy and defense outweigh the offensive limitations - especially in a rotation that already includes non-shooters or ball-dominant players.
Looking Ahead
Redick’s comments suggest the door isn’t closed. If injuries hit, or if the team needs a jolt of defensive intensity and rebounding, Vanderbilt could be the next man up. And if he continues to stay ready - as Redick says he has - he’ll be in position to make an impact when the opportunity comes.
For now, though, it’s a waiting game. The Lakers are winning, the rotation is set, and Vanderbilt is doing what pros do: staying prepared, staying engaged, and waiting for his number to be called. And in an 82-game season, that call tends to come sooner than later.