The Los Angeles Lakers are navigating a significant roster transformation as they prepare for the upcoming NBA season. This summer, the team made notable changes, parting ways with key players like LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, and Marcus Smart, while acquiring new talent including Walker Kessler, Collin Sexton, Quentin Grimes, Kevon Looney, and Sandro Mamukelashvili. Amidst these shifts, one player who remains with the team is backup forward Jarred Vanderbilt, setting the stage for his fourth consecutive season with the Lakers.
Despite the Lakers' efforts to trade Vanderbilt, they have yet to find a team willing to take on his contract. Head coach JJ Redick has reluctantly accepted that Vanderbilt will likely remain on the roster for at least part of the 2026-27 season. According to Sean Deveney of Heavy, the Lakers have been actively searching for a trade partner, but interest in Vanderbilt has been minimal. As a result, it appears that he may be utilized in the team's rotation while the organization continues to explore trade possibilities throughout the season.
At 27 years old, Vanderbilt has played for three different teams before joining the Lakers in 2023. He is primarily recognized for his defensive capabilities, which theoretically align well with the Lakers' needs, especially given their struggles against perimeter shooting. Throughout his career, Vanderbilt has maintained a modest statistical output, averaging 5.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game, while shooting 54.6% from the field. Although he has not been a focal point for his teams, he offers a spark off the bench as a 6'8" athlete with innate defensive instincts.
However, Vanderbilt's shortcomings as a shooter have hindered his ability to secure a consistent role in Redick's rotation. His average of 1.5 three-point attempts per game, coupled with a shooting percentage of just 29.3%, has made him less effective as a three-and-D wing. This lack of offensive production rendered him nearly unplayable during the postseason, as his inability to stretch the floor turned him into a liability for the team. Had it not been for injuries to other players, his playing time might have been significantly reduced, highlighting the Lakers' acknowledgment of his defensive contributions.
As the Lakers aim to build a competitive roster around star player Luka Doncic, the urgency to offload Vanderbilt has grown. The team is reportedly interested in potential replacements, including players like Dwight Powell, Kevin Love, and De’Andre Hunter. The pressing question remains whether a viable trade partner will emerge or if the Lakers will have to absorb the financial implications of Vanderbilt's contract.
Teams such as the Atlanta Hawks and the Minnesota Timberwolves could be potential landing spots for Vanderbilt, particularly following the recent departure of Jonathan Kuminga from the Hawks. While negotiations have yet to yield a finalized deal, the Lakers may be open to including a second-round pick as an incentive to facilitate a trade. With two years and $25.4 million remaining on Vanderbilt's contract, the possibility of him opting out and entering free agency next summer adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
Ultimately, the Lakers are keen to resolve Vanderbilt's status sooner rather than later to prevent any unnecessary distractions during the season. The organization hopes that as the trade market evolves, there will be opportunities to enhance Vanderbilt's value and generate interest from other teams before the trade deadline in February.
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