Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt has been out of the team’s rotation, sitting out eight of the last nine games despite being healthy.
Vanderbilt’s offensive deficiencies are well-documented, but there’s no denying that he could help the Lakers on the defensive end of the floor, where they have really struggled in recent weeks.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick recently commented on that and revealed that if the defensive struggles continue, he expects to give Vanderbilt another opportunity.
With that being the case, Vanderbilt is excited to get back on the court and help the team defensively.
“I’m pretty eager. I mean, obviously, I think a lot of the stuff we lack, I think I can help provide on that end. Yeah, that’s it,” Vanderbilt said after practice on Saturday.
Vanderbilt was then asked if he has had conversations with the coaching staff since he has been out of the rotation.
“Kind of here and there, I guess,” he said.
Vanderbilt added that he is doing his best to handle the situation while continue to be a good teammate.
“I’m good,” he said when asked how he is mentally. “Control what I can control, keep showing up to work, doing my work, supporting the team.”
The Lakers have been leaning into offense this year, which is why players like Vanderbilt have often seem themselves on the bench. With the team struggling as bad as they have defensively though, perhaps it’s time for Redick to make another change to see if Vanderbilt can help address those issues.
Jarred Vanderbilt reveals conversation in Lakers’ film session
The Lakers really struggled defensively in their recent loss to the San Antonio Spurs and Jarred Vanderbilt revealed what the coaching staff said and showed them in their film session.
“They showed us our last 10 games and how we paired against the rest of the league. The main emphasis was that we haven’t been aggressive, haven’t been physical, haven’t been getting back on defense. So it’s like a lot of stuff we can control,” Vanderbilt said.
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