Veteran 6-foot-8 forward 'most likely Laker' to be traded before upcoming season, writer says

An NBA journalist believes the Los Angeles Lakers may soon cut ties with an injury-prone contributor.

Los Angeles Lakers court

In early July, the Los Angeles Lakers lost Dorian Finney-Smith to the Houston Rockets, but he may not be the only forward to depart from the franchise this summer. 

According to LA Sports Hub’s Devon Platana, a veteran 6-foot-8 forward known for his play on the defensive end, is the ‘most likely Laker’ to be traded before the 2025-26 campaign. 

“It's been a rollercoaster ride for Jarred Vanderbilt in L.A. ever since the Lakers acquired him during the 2022-23 NBA season,” Platana wrote Monday.

“Although the former Kentucky product has demonstrated hard work and solid defensive ability at times, the fact that he's often injured has left him as a potential trade candidate this offseason.”

“Despite spending seven seasons in the Association, Vanderbilt has only hit the 70-game mark twice, with his most recent instance being the year he was traded to Los Angeles.”

“He's struggled to stay on the floor in the subsequent seasons, playing only 65 regular-season contests and five playoff outings since 2023-24. No matter how it's sliced, that isn't a good look for any player. Given his injury history, it wouldn't be shocking if the Lakers were ready to get out of Vanderbilt's contract.”

Vanderbilt’s last two seasons with the Lakers have left fans questioning his value with the franchise. 

The 26-year-old hasn’t succeeded in remaining healthy, as the Kentucky product has missed over 70 contests due to various injuries. 

To make matters worse, Vanderbilt has yet to develop a long-range jumper in the big leagues, shooting below 35% from deep for the seventh consecutive season. 

Vanderbilt doesn’t have to be a long-range sniper to flourish offensively, but transforming into a serviceable wing and/or corner shooter would help him avoid being a one-dimensional asset moving forward.

Time will tell if the Lakers give Vanderbilt another opportunity to flip the script in Los Angeles.

Category: Basketball