On Friday, JJ Redick argued that he'll consider playing Jarred Vanderbilt again if the Lakers' defensive issues continue.
Despite their impressive run so far in this 2025-26 season, the Los Angeles Lakers have shown significantly glaring defensive issues over their past couple of games.
Jarred Vanderbilt
Jarred Vanderbilt
Jarred Vanderbilt
MIN: 17.34
PTS: 4.27 (54.29%)
REB: 5.2
As: 1.47
ST: 0.93
BL: 0.33
TO: 1.47
GM: 15
J.J. Redick told reporters Friday that they are now looking at everything to address this concern, which may include shuffling his rotation.
"We're looking at everything," Redick said after the Lakers' practice. "We've got to be serious about where we are right now. The continual failure of things has a shelf life. And then you've got to make changes. So we're looking at it.
"But again, I have a belief in the nine guys we've been playing. I have a belief in the rotation."
Despite their elite firepower behind Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and LeBron James, the Lakers are being held back by their entire defense. They are relatively mediocre league-wide, being ranked 21st in the defensive rating (116.7).
Los Angeles gave up an average of 122.2 points in their last five games, leading to a 2-3 record. They allowed the San Antonio Spurs to connect 44.7 percent from three (17/38) and lead by as many as 24 in their previous NBA Cup matchup.
Redick was asked if he has plans to reinsert defensive specialist Jarred Vanderbilt back into the lineup if the Lakers' defensive problems continue.
Vanderbilt has been largely out of Redick's rotation recently. The forward only made a three-minute appearance in last weekend's win against the Philadelphia 76ers after collecting multiple DNPs.
"If this continues, [Vanderbilt] definitely gets his opportunities," Redick simply said.
The Lakers will aim to improve defensively as they are set to play the Suns in Phoenix on Sunday.
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