TITLE: Redick Indicates Vanderbilt May Rejoin Lakers Rotation if Defensive Issues Persist
SLUG: redick-indicates-vanderbilt-may-rejoin-lakers-rotation
CONTENT:
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick said veteran forward Jarred Vanderbilt will receive another chance to play regular minutes if the team’s defensive slump continues.
Speaking after practice on Friday, Redick acknowledged that the Lakers have struggled to contain opponents and suggested Vanderbilt could be a remedy. “If this continues, he’ll definitely get his opportunities,” the coach told reporters.
Vanderbilt, 26, is averaging 17.3 minutes across 15 appearances this season—his second-lowest mark since becoming a rotation player with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2020-21. Several recent games ended with the forward listed as a coach’s decision inactive.
The Kentucky product has long been praised for his energy and versatility on defense, qualities that prompted the Lakers to sign him to a contract extension that runs two more seasons beyond the current campaign. Offensively, however, Vanderbilt is shooting 26.7% from three-point range, limiting Redick’s willingness to use him in modern, spacing-oriented lineups.
Los Angeles ranks among the league’s poorer defensive units through more than 20 games, and Vanderbilt has previously cited rebounding and transition defense as areas needing improvement. Should the club fail to shore up those weaknesses internally, Redick indicated Vanderbilt will be the next option to try to change the trend.
Source: Lakers Nation
