Jarred Vanderbilt is making things complicated for J.J. Redick in the best way possible. Two preseason games in, and Vanderbilt looks like he is quietly overtaking Rui Hachimura for key minutes in the Los Angeles Lakers rotation.
His defense has been elite, his energy contagious, and suddenly, he has been playing like the missing piece Los Angeles did not know it still had. Last year, Vanderbilt barely made an impact. Injuries limited him to just 36 games, and when he did play, he never looked right.
Now, healthy and confident, he is changing the tone of every lineup he is in. Against the Golden State Warriors in the Lakers' second preseason game, he posted nine points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals.
Vanderbilt’s all-around impact goes beyond the box score
His game resembled the kind of all-around effort that does not jump off a stat sheet but completely helps teams win games. What is most impressive is how natural his fit looks. The Lakers need perimeter defense and switchability on their squad, and that is exactly what Vanderbilt brings.
His ability to guard multiple positions and energize the group has made him stand out early. He has easily been the team’s most active defender, constantly disrupting passing lanes and staying vocal.
But the question at the end of the day is not about what he brings on defense, it is whether he can stay on the floor because of his offense. Hachimura is the smoother scorer, a more reliable shooter who spaces the floor for LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
Vanderbilt’s jumper still has not caught up. Teams will dare him to shoot, and that’s where JJ Redick’s decision gets tricky.
Still, there is a case to be made that Vanderbilt’s defensive impact outweighs his offensive limitations, especially in a lineup full of playmakers. When he is engaged, flying around, communicating, and rebounding, this Los Angeles team looks completely different.
Health remains the most significant variable. Vanderbilt has not played more than 52 games in any of the last four seasons. The Lakers will need to manage his minutes and hope this early energy can last through the grind of the year.
Right now, he definitely is healthy, locked in, and forcing the coaching staff to take notice. Hachimura might have the offensive polish, but Vanderbilt is making the stronger case where it counts, on the floor.
If he keeps this up, Redick may have no choice but to roll with Vando. For a Lakers team looking to reclaim its defensive edge, that might be the best problem they could ask for.