TITLE: Vanderbilt’s Energy Lifts Lakers Past Suns After Weeks on the Bench
SLUG: vanderbilt-energy-lifts-lakers-past-suns
CONTENT:
PHOENIX — After spending several games out of the Los Angeles Lakers’ main rotation, forward Jarred Vanderbilt re-entered the lineup Sunday night and played a pivotal role in a Phoenix victory at Mortgage Matchup Center.
Head coach JJ Redick had recently limited Vanderbilt’s minutes because of offensive concerns, but turned to the 6-foot-8 defender to counter the Phoenix Suns’ speed and athleticism. The move paid off. Vanderbilt finished with seven points on 2-for-5 shooting, seven rebounds and 15 minutes, anchoring a 24-0 third-quarter burst that swung the game in Los Angeles’ favor.
“It’s a long season,” Vanderbilt said afterward. “I knew the opportunity was going to come back around, and the biggest thing was being ready for it mentally.”
Vanderbilt’s presence helped the Lakers survive a late Suns rally and secure a win the club believes it would not have earned without him. Redick indicated Vanderbilt will continue to be deployed selectively, depending on matchups.
Despite the recent victory, Los Angeles remains focused on roster upgrades. The Lakers are 18-7 with a 1.5 net rating that ranks 14th league-wide, hampered by the NBA’s 20th-ranked defense. Team officials are known to be searching for young, two-way wings who fit the 3-and-D profile ahead of the trade deadline.
Source: Lakers Nation
