Lakers’ Bench Struggles Continue Despite Jarred Vanderbilt’s Return: Who Can Step Up?
The Lakers may have stabilized their starting lineup with Jarred Vanderbilt back in the mix, but the second unit remains a glaring weak spot - especially on the offensive end. Injuries have only magnified the issue, and it's becoming increasingly clear that LA’s bench just isn’t built to weather these storms without some serious adjustments.
The problem isn’t a lack of bodies - the Lakers have role players who can fill minutes and defend in spurts. But when it comes to generating offense without LeBron James on the floor, the well runs dry far too often. That was especially evident in the second half against the Clippers and again versus Phoenix, where the Lakers couldn’t find a consistent scoring threat outside of their veteran leader, even with Austin Reaves back in the lineup.
So, what now? Is there a fix already on the roster, or are we looking at a deeper issue that can't be solved by simply tweaking the rotation? Let’s break down where things stand with the key bench contributors and what they’ve shown - or haven’t - in recent outings.
Marcus Smart: Still Searching for Consistency
Smart has stepped into the starting lineup in Reaves’ absence, and the results have been a rollercoaster. He lit it up in Utah, dropping 17 points while hitting 5-of-9 from deep - exactly the kind of spark the Lakers need from their backcourt.
But then came the Clippers game, where he had one of the worst shooting nights by any Laker this season. He bounced back in Phoenix, but the pattern is clear: one solid game, followed by one that leaves you scratching your head.
Smart’s defense and energy are never in question, but the Lakers need more reliability from him as a scorer, especially when he’s operating as a starter. The inconsistency is tough to work around when the rest of the bench is also struggling to find rhythm.
Jake LaRavia: Punching Above His Weight
LaRavia has been thrust into a larger role recently, even earning a couple of starts. Against the Clippers, he filled up the stat sheet and looked like one of the few Lakers playing with confidence. But let’s be real - he’s being asked to do more than he probably should at this stage.
That’s not a knock on LaRavia. He’s been solid, and in a more stable rotation, he could be a valuable contributor. But right now, he’s emblematic of a bigger issue: players being forced into outsized roles because of injuries and underperformance elsewhere.
Jarred Vanderbilt: Holding It Down, But What’s the Ceiling?
Vanderbilt has been a steady presence since his return, giving the Lakers a much-needed jolt of defensive energy and hustle. Whether he’ll remain in the rotation once the team is fully healthy remains to be seen, but he’s making a strong case.
His minutes have been meaningful, especially with the team shorthanded. The question is whether his impact can hold up when the Lakers are back at full strength - and whether his defense can offset the bench’s offensive shortcomings.
Dalton Knecht: Where Did the Firepower Go?
Last season, Knecht was the guy who could come off the bench and swing a game with a scoring burst. This year, that version of him has been hard to find. Despite getting extended opportunities in recent games, he just hasn’t looked like the same player - not in confidence, not in shot-making, not in rhythm.
It’s been a frustrating fall-off. The Lakers need someone to carry the scoring load when LeBron sits, and Knecht was supposed to be that guy. Right now, he’s not delivering - and that’s a big part of the bench’s identity crisis.
Jaxson Hayes: Impact Tied to Others
Hayes has the physical tools to be a factor, and on paper, he brings some offensive upside. But in practice, his game is heavily dependent on others creating for him. If the ball movement isn’t crisp or the guards aren’t penetrating, Hayes becomes invisible on offense.
He’s improved as a rebounder and rim protector this season, which is a step in the right direction. But if he’s not scoring and not anchoring the defense, his role becomes murky - especially when the Lakers are desperate for production from their reserves.
Nick Smith Jr.: A Scorer in Progress
If there’s one bench player who looks willing - maybe even eager - to take on the scoring load, it’s Nick Smith Jr. He’s not shy, and that’s not a bad thing for a team that needs someone to take shots.
Against the Clippers, he put up 11 attempts in just 22 minutes, hitting four. Then came a surprise start against Phoenix, even with Reaves back, though Smith still couldn’t find his shooting touch.
There’s something there with NSJ. He’s aggressive, confident, and shows flashes of being a microwave scorer.
But he’s also a two-way player for a reason - he’s not ready to be a consistent contributor just yet. The Lakers can’t lean on him as a primary bench scorer, at least not right now.
The Bottom Line
The Lakers’ bench issues aren’t going away overnight. Injuries have exposed the lack of depth, and the offensive production just isn’t where it needs to be. While Vanderbilt’s return has helped stabilize the rotation a bit, it’s clear that more is needed - whether that’s a lineup shakeup, a trade, or someone stepping up internally.
Right now, the second unit is a patchwork of potential, inconsistency, and players being asked to do too much. Until someone grabs the opportunity and runs with it, the Lakers will continue to lean heavily on LeBron - and hope that help eventually arrives.