Jarred Vanderbilt has already made Lakers’ decision not to trade him look wise

Tyler Watts of Lake Show Life argues that the Los Angeles Lakers' decision to keep Jarred Vanderbilt instead of trading him has proven wise due to his emergence as a functional backup center. After backup center Kevon Looney struggled early in the season, head coach JJ Redick turned to Vanderbilt alongside Sandro Mamukelashvili. Across his first five appearances, the Lakers outscored opponents by one point in Vanderbilt's 59 minutes on the court.

While Vanderbilt averages modest numbers of 1.2 points and 3.0 rebounds in 11.8 minutes per game, Watts notes his defensive energy and rebounding have stabilized the bench while starter Walker Kessler rests. Watts maintains that Los Angeles should avoid spending precious draft capital to unload Vanderbilt's $12.5 million salary midseason, arguing the Lakers should instead retain him as a depth piece before potentially moving his expiring contract in the offseason.