JJ Redick Lauds Jarred Vanderbilt for Defensive Spark in Lakers’ Win Over Raptors
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The Los Angeles Lakers secured a much-needed victory over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday night, Jan. 18, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. While Luka Doncic and LeBron James led the scoring, head coach JJ Redick highlighted forward Jarred Vanderbilt for his all-around impact.
Vanderbilt finished with just two points but added nine rebounds, two steals and two blocks. He also posted a game-high plus-25 in 24 minutes off the bench.
Redick applauds Vanderbilt’s “star role”
“When our team is at its best, we have guys that star in their roles without necessarily scoring the basketball,” Redick told reporters after the 109-103 win. “Vando has had about a month-long stretch where he’s really starred in his role, and tonight was another great example of that.”
The coach emphasized Vanderbilt’s work on the glass, noting that defensive rebounding is often overlooked. “It’s his ability to get rebounds in traffic that’s really important to us because all these young teams are crashing and sending multiple guys on every possession,” Redick said. “He really impacted the game tonight.”
Vanderbilt opened the season outside the regular rotation but has since earned consistent minutes, providing defense, hustle and rebounding despite limited offensive production.
James urges team to push through injuries
LeBron James acknowledged the Lakers’ recent struggles tied to ongoing injuries but insisted the group must “right the ship” as players return to health, refusing to use absences as an excuse.
The win moved Los Angeles back above .500 as the club continues a four-game homestand.
Source: Lakers Nation
