The Los Angeles Lakers are on fire right now, winning nine straight games and looking nearly unstoppable. Just a month ago, the team seemed lost, but now they are legitimate playoff contenders—exactly what LeBron James has been hoping for all along.
“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Rich Paul told ESPN. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we've had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.”
Luka Doncic also made it clear last May that he wanted a championship-caliber roster.
“Dončić being just 26 gives the Lakers a far longer timeline to build a championship-contending team, but that doesn't mean they can slow down and take their time. Dončić told Lakers president Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick in May that he's not interested in taking the slow approach in building a contender,” CBS Sports’ Jasmyn Wimbish wrote.
One player who hasn’t seen much time in this blazing rotation is Jarred Vanderbilt. However, many believe he will be crucial come playoff time.
“JJ Redick has leaned into a nine-man rotation as the Los Angeles Lakers have taken off. It is time for the coach to widen things a bit and give others opportunities. The purple and gold will need more players to make a deep playoff run. It is on Redick and the coaching staff to keep them engaged and locked in. Winning helps, but Jarred Vanderbilt needs some minutes down the stretch to thrive in his playoff opportunity. Hopefully, coach Redick agrees and quickly makes a shift,” Lake Show Life’s Tyler Watts wrote.
The Lakers’ defense is already strong, but adding Vanderbilt to the mix could elevate it to another level. LA may need an extra lockdown defender for a team with so many offensive options.
Vanderbilt continues to show he is fully bought in with the Lakers, even without heavy playing time. If JJ Redick gives him a shot in the playoffs, Vanderbilt will be ready for the moment.
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