LeBron’s Return Creates Turbulence as Lakers Bench Jarred Vanderbilt
The anticipation surrounding LeBron James’ return to the court has injected new life into the Los Angeles Lakers, yet the aftermath has not unfolded without its complications. While James may have rejuvenated the team’s spirit, his presence has led to unexpected consequences, particularly for forward Jarred Vanderbilt. The Lakers’ recent blowout loss to the Phoenix Suns highlighted this chaos, as James managed a modest 10 points and three assists, raising questions about the team’s dynamics.
Vanderbilt’s Diminished Role
Once averaging 21 minutes per game in October, Vanderbilt has found himself sidelined since November 15, becoming a healthy scratch as the Lakers have adjusted their rotation. Lakers head coach JJ Redick addressed Vanderbilt’s demotion candidly, noting that the 26-year-old had fallen short of expectations for his role within the team.
“He’s been good. He’s been a pro. He’s been great,” Redick stated, reflecting on Vanderbilt’s professionalism and attitude during his time off the court. “In the most recent stay ready game that we had this week, he was great. He’s been a great teammate, so no surprise there.”
Redick also mentioned that the adjustments were discussed even before James returned, emphasizing that there were specific areas Vanderbilt needed to improve upon to secure playing time both before and after James rejoined the lineup.
Navigating a Nine-Man Rotation
The Lakers’ decision to implement a nine-man rotation has further complicated matters. This choice has restricted opportunities for players like Vanderbilt, as the team has opted to rely on James, Rui Hachimura, Deandre Ayton, Jaxson Hayes, and Jake LaRavia in the frontcourt.
“There potentially was going to be a numbers crunch because we were probably going to play a nine-man rotation. And that was just the reality,” Redick explained. “That doesn’t mean that he’s not going to be back in the rotation at some point, whether we’re healthy or whether we’re missing a couple guys.”
With the Lakers’ recent winning streak now snapped, there may soon be an opening for Vanderbilt to re-enter the lineup. Redick expressed visible frustration with the team’s effort following the loss to the Suns, likening their performance to a scenario where “the Monstars took over the people you’ve grown to coach. It’s weird.”
Looking Ahead
As the Lakers prepare for their next challenge against the Toronto Raptors on Thursday at 4:30 p.m. PST, the question remains whether Vanderbilt will have the opportunity to contribute once again. The road ahead is filled with uncertainty, but the looming prospect of a lineup adjustment could signal a fresh start for the forward amidst the Lakers’ ongoing efforts to regain their momentum.
