Jarred Vanderbilt is back in the mix for the Lakers - and he's not just filling minutes, he's making them count.
After spending most of a three-week stretch stapled to the bench - nine DNPs in a 10-game span from Nov. 18 to Dec. 10 - Vanderbilt has re-entered the Lakers’ rotation with purpose.
Since returning in the win over the Suns last week, he’s logged at least 15 minutes in each of the last three games. More importantly, he’s brought something this Lakers team has sorely needed: energy, athleticism, and a relentless motor.
Let’s talk about rebounding, because that’s where Vanderbilt’s impact has been loudest. Over those three games, he’s pulled down 23 rebounds - 13 of them on the offensive glass.
That’s not just effort; that’s hustle with a purpose. Those second-chance opportunities have played a key role in wins over Phoenix and Utah, especially in games where L.A.’s shooting has been streaky at best.
Vanderbilt knows exactly what he brings to the table, and he’s leaning into it. Speaking about his mindset on the offensive glass, he said:
“Oh, for sure. That’s something I can bring to the table every single night.
Especially some games where we’re not shooting well, there’s a lot more opportunities for offensive rebounds. We’re trying to win that possession battle, so like I said, if we’re not having a great shooting night, having multiple efforts and being able to get multiple opportunities on the glass, it’s going to better our chances.”
That’s a player who understands his role - and more importantly, understands what this version of the Lakers needs. With the team battling through inconsistencies and injuries, Vanderbilt has stepped up as a spark plug.
He’s not out there to score 20 points or run the offense. He’s out there to fly around, crash the boards, and make life miserable for opposing wings and forwards.
That kind of energy is contagious, and it’s exactly what head coach Darvin Ham has been looking for off the bench. With the Lakers still trying to find their rhythm amid a rotating cast of healthy bodies, Vanderbilt’s timing couldn’t be better.
And the opportunity is there. With injuries thinning out the top of the rotation, Vanderbilt’s ability to defend multiple positions, rebound with force, and bring life to the floor gives him a real shot to carve out a consistent role moving forward. Tuesday’s rematch with the Suns is another chance for him to show why he belongs in the mix - and why his style of play fits perfectly against a team like Phoenix.
LeBron James: Lakers Must Be Ready Without Key Starters
Saturday night’s matchup with the Clippers was a tough one for the Lakers - and not just because of the result. L.A. was missing three key starters: Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton, and Rui Hachimura. Then came the curveball - Luka Doncic was ruled out at halftime, leaving the Lakers even more shorthanded.
Despite the loss, the bench fought hard. The shots didn’t fall, but the effort was there, and LeBron James made sure to recognize that. He emphasized the importance of staying ready, especially with the team navigating through this stretch of uncertainty regarding injuries.
Some reinforcements could be on the way soon, but there’s still no clear timetable for Doncic’s return. Until then, it’s next-man-up - and players like Vanderbilt are proving they’re ready to answer the call.