After trading for former Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic in early February, the Los Angeles Lakers found their groove in the Western Conference and positively altered their regular-season outlook.
The real fun for the third-seeded Lakers will begin on Saturday when they compete against sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves in the playoffs.
Coming up empty on the big stage wouldn’t be the end of the world for Los Angeles, but it would cause the organization to approach the 2025 free-agency period with a sense of urgency.
The Lakers could cut ties with an offensively-challenged forward to make room for a more well-rounded backcourt or frontcourt asset.
“The Los Angeles Lakers are hoping that they can muster enough late-season momentum to make a serious run to contend for a title this season,” Sir Charles in Charge’s Michael Saenz wrote Sunday.
“However, they may be a piece or two away from competing with the likes of the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference and the Boston Celtics in the East. Because of that, it could open the door for a big move this offseason. One player who could be on the chopping block is Jarred Vanderbilt.”
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"There may have been a time when the Lakers believed that Vanderbilt could probably true value as a potential two-way player for the team. However, over the last two seasons, Vanderbilt has become somewhat of an afterthought in Los Angeles.”
"Some of that does have to do with his injuries, but even when he's been healthy, he's left much to be desired. Heading into the summer, Vanderbilt is probably a player the Lakers will attempt to trade.”
Due to injuries, Vanderbilt has only appeared in 65 regular-season contests over the past two years.
However, when available, the Kentucky product is a switchable and versatile defender who can hold his own against gifted ball handlers on the perimeter and physical big men in the low post.
Offensively, though, it isn’t an exaggeration to suggest Vanderbilt is a liability on that end of the floor.
Judging by the fact that Vanderbilt hasn’t developed a long-range jumper or refined offensive skill set, it would make sense for Los Angeles to explore a trade for him this summer.
The 26-year-old pro should expect to pop up in trade rumors after the 2025 postseason.
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