Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick said forward Jarred Vanderbilt is currently on the outside of the team’s nine-man rotation because of roster numbers and offensive concerns, though he emphasized that the situation could change as the season progresses.
Redick addressed Vanderbilt’s status before Monday’s game against the Phoenix Suns. The coach noted that he warned the 26-year-old about a potential minutes squeeze once LeBron James returned to action.
“He’s been a pro,” Redick said. “I communicated to him before LeBron came back that there were certain things he needed to do consistently and that there was potentially going to be a numbers crunch because we were probably going to play a nine-man rotation. That was just the reality.”
Vanderbilt, who enjoyed his first healthy offseason in several years, was projected to be a key two-way contributor for the 2025-26 campaign. He has maintained his trademark energy on defense, but opposing teams have packed the paint and dared Los Angeles to shoot when he is on the floor, limiting his offensive impact.
Redick added that lineup changes made during recent injury absences left Vanderbilt as an “innocent bystander,” and the club has been reluctant to alter a winning formula. Even so, the coach said Vanderbilt’s professionalism during stay-ready workouts keeps him in consideration for future minutes.
With multiple Lakers already dealing with injuries this season, Vanderbilt could be called upon again. Redick said the forward must remain prepared for that opportunity.
Source: LakersNation.com
