The Los Angeles Lakers are deep in the weeds right now, reportedly mulling over adding Jonathan Kuminga this offseason, but the real play for them might be something they *don't* do. Seriously, keeping Jarred Vanderbilt on the roster could be one of the smartest decisions this organization makes, and honestly, it should be a no-brainer. Jake Fischer over at B/R hit it right on the head, saying, "I also don't think the Lakers are just like trying to shop Jarred Vanderbilt around the league. I haven't gotten that sense, either." Good. Because they absolutely shouldn't be.
Vanderbilt's Game Is More Than Just the Numbers
Look, if you just glance at the stat sheet, Vanderbilt isn't going to blow anyone away. He put up 7.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 17.4 minutes per game last season. But that's not even half the story with this guy. What he brings to the court is pure hustle and grit. He’s amazing in transition, and his defensive versatility is proven. He's that rebounding forward who just knows how to find the ball at the rim, always scrapping for extra possessions. This is exactly the kind of player you need when you're trying to lock down an opponent.Trading Him for Kuminga Is a Defensive Disaster Waiting to Happen
Here's the kicker: The Lakers are apparently after Kuminga because they *need* more defensive depth. So, tell me, how does trading away one of your best and most versatile defenders make any sense in that scenario? It doesn't. Trading Vanderbilt isn't some incremental improvement to their roster; it actually hurts them. There's a strong argument to be made that even if they get Kuminga in a deal that includes Vanderbilt, the team would be worse defensively than before, especially out on the perimeter. Head coach JJ Redick's system is something Vanderbilt already knows and understands, and losing that kind of on-court familiarity is an organizational misstep, plain and simple. In the wake of LeBron James deciding to pursue other avenues for his career, the Lakers need to improve. Trading a player who still greatly benefits them on the floor, who plays with that defensive fire, would be a huge step backwards for a team trying to rebuild its identity. The front office needs to look past the box score and see what Vanderbilt truly brings to the defensive side of the ball. Losing him would be a critical mistake, period.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.