The Los Angeles Lakers have been impressed by Jarred Vanderbilt in the first two preseason games, and he could be trending towards a defensive breakout like Alex Caruso made. Lakers fans loved Caruso, but it wasn’t untill his age 28 season that he got All-Defensive buzz. Vando has barely played the last two years, but the 26-year-old could just be starting his breakout into the next lockdown defender that only plays 20-25 minutes per game.
The defense stood out in the first two preseason games. Vanderbilt is everywhere, including having nine points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals in 21 minutes against the Warriors. He created havoc all over the floor in a matchup against Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler. Vando’s energy and effort have been impressive, and the Lakers are certainly [rethinking their rotation plans](https://lakeshowlife.com/jarred-vanderbilt-already-forcing-lakers-rethink-rotation).
LeBron James will be [out to start the regular season](https://lakeshowlife.com/los-angeles-lakers-first-reasonable-explanation-sudden-lebron-james-injury-tragically-ironic), which creates a wide-open starting spot for Vanderbilt. He has already proven healthy after playing just 65 total games in the last two seasons. This looks like the breakout year where Vando finally gets the deserved recognition for his elite defense.
Jarred Vanderbilt is on his way to an Alex Caruso-level breakout
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Vando is never going to be an All-Star or one of the best players on a title team. His subpar jumper has not been fixed, and his offensive game is limited. The Lakers need him to cut, set screens, and make defenders pay when they don’t guard him. That is the only way LA can maximize his defensive contributions.
Caruso was a streaky shooter early in his career. He made 33.3 percent or worse from 3-point range in three of his first five NBA seasons. It wasn’t until he got to Chicago that Caruso found his jumper and stayed healthy enough to get All-Defensive love.
Lakers fans will see Vando picking up 94 feet and guarding every position this season. That is what elite defenders do. The 6’8 forward won’t turn down a challenge and will use his advantages to make it difficult for even the league’s best scorers.
Do not expect Vanderbilt to suddenly become a plus 3-point shooter, but he is on Caruso’s level defensively. He must stay healthy and make a nightly impact. Vando may be asked to shut down Nikola Jokic in the conference semifinals and keep Anthony Edwards in check in the West finals like Caruso did in 2025. He is proving ready to fill those shoes and would likely become a Lakers fan favorite just like Carushow.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been impressed with Jarred Vanderbilt so far. For the first time since 2023, he looks healthy and ready to make a massive contribution. Head coach JJ Redick is planning the ideal role, and Vando looks primed to deliver. He may even make Lakers fans forget about Alex Caruso as they sing his praises. LA desperately needs a lockdown defender, and Vanderbilt is ready to deliver. Stay locked in because the best is still yet to come.