Jarred Vanderbilt Fueling Lakers' Late Playoff Push

Sitting at 25-31 and comfortably out of the Play-In Tournament, the Los Angeles Lakers sensed that something had to be done. The NBA’s All-Time scoring leader LeBron James is averaging 29.5 PPG, 8.4 RPG, and 6.9 APG at age 38 — another incredible season from the ageless wonder. However, that isn’t getting the job done. Darvin Ham and the Lakers have had a hard time all season figuring out a rotation that works, and that’s because they were missing a defensive, glue guy to bring everything together.

Enter Jarred Vanderbilt.

Vanderbilt, listed in KSR’s 2023 NBA Trade Deadline Preview, was a prime candidate to be traded from the rebuilding Utah Jazz. During 52 games played in Utah this season, Vanderbilt averaged 8.3 PPG and 7.9 RPG while proving to be a young leader anchoring the Jazz defense. After starting the season remarkably hot, the Jazz cooled off and seemed to be making their way down the Western Conference standings. They never intended to contend for a championship, so moving Vanderbilt, who was just a throw-in from Minnesota in the Rudy Gobert trade, for some draft picks, cash, and Russell Westbrook’s massive contract was an obvious move to make.

On February 8th, it was reported that the Lakers finalized a deal to land D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt in a trade that sent Mike Conley and picks to Minnesota and Russell Westbrook and a protected 2027 LA first-round pick to Utah. In the Lakers deadline haul, Vanderbilt was seen as the least important piece. In his first five games, however, he looks like the steal of the entire season.

Instant Spark in LA

Since Vanderbilt’s arrival in the City of Angels, the Lakers have won four of their last five games, two of which came against the reigning champion Golden State Warriors. The former Wildcat has received widespread praise from Lakers fans and opposing coaches, such as Basketball Hall of Famer and Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd.

Following his outstanding 15-point, 17-rebound performance in the Lakers’ 27-point comeback over the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday night, Kidd had just one simple sentence to sum up Vanderbilt’s dominant night. “Vanderbilt kicked our ass.”

“I like that challenge every single night, being able to guard the best player one through five”, Vanderbilt told local media following the win. “That’s my value and my impact on this team.” J-Vando had the daunting task of guarding one of the best scorers in the entire NBA, Luka Doncic.

Jarred Vanderbilt's ball pressure on Luka Doncic pic.twitter.com/r5n3RaZi9y

— pickuphoop (@pickuphoop) February 27, 2023

Vanderbilt held Luka to 2-7 from the field as his primary defender and tied a career-high with eight offensive rebounds, giving the Lakers opportunity after opportunity for second-chance points. He is now on his fourth team in just his sixth season in the NBA, but seems to have found a long-term home in one of the league’s biggest markets.

Much wasn’t expected from Vanderbilt following his 14-game career at Kentucky, but he has slowly grinded his way to becoming one of the most talented defensive players in the entire NBA. The Lakers currently sit at 29-32 and are just a game back of the Play-In Tournament. The Western Conference is so wide open this year and Vanderbilt’s defensive prowess will be key in their potential playoff push. LA is only 3.5 games back of the four seed in the West, so a winning streak could launch them right back into contention.

If you are a Kentucky basketball fan and don’t have an NBA team to root for, the Lakers may be for you. Former ‘Cats Vanderbilt, Anthony Davis, and Wenyen Gabriel are key features of the Lakeshow lineup.