The Los Angeles Lakers are facing a familiar dilemma: too many one-dimensional players and not enough championship-caliber depth. While the front office might not be able to move everyone, one journalist believes the franchise should prioritize parting ways with a 27-year-old forward whose offensive game has become a glaring liability.
According to Lake Show Life's Svyatoslav Rovenchuk, that player is Jarred Vanderbilt—a high-energy defender whose $48 million contract and non-existent three-point shot have made him a prime candidate for the trade block. "Jarred Vanderbilt's best days may already be behind him," Rovenchuk wrote. "After years of navigating injuries, the Lakers forward remains a solid energy guy, but not much more beyond that."
With two years left on his deal, Vanderbilt's value to the Lakers now hinges on his potential as a salary-matching piece in a bigger trade. "This should poise him to be a salary-matching tool for Pelinka when the moment arises to get a real upgrade during the offseason," Rovenchuk added.
The biggest issue? Vanderbilt's offensive game hasn't evolved to complement Luka Dončić's playmaking style. "Much like the rest of the players on here, Vando just does not satisfy what Doncic needs moving forward. Even when his defense is on, his offense rarely follows, limiting the two-way upside needed around Luka," the journalist explained.
Developing a reliable three-point shot would have helped Vanderbilt stay in JJ Redick's rotation. Being a switchable defender with elite physical tools is valuable, but on a win-now Lakers team, it's no longer enough to guarantee minutes. Despite offseason workout videos showing him confidently knocking down corner threes, that success hasn't translated to game action. Vanderbilt shot just 29.3% from beyond the arc in 65 games this season—marking the third straight year he's connected on less than 30% of his long-range attempts.
Simply put, Vanderbilt's perimeter shooting woes could push the Lakers to move him before next season tips off. For a team built around stars like Dončić and LeBron James, every roster spot needs to contribute on both ends. And right now, Vanderbilt's one-dimensional game is costing him his place in Los Angeles.