Jared Vanderbilt has emerged as a significant liability for the Los Angeles Lakers, raising urgent concerns as the team prepares for the upcoming season. Despite his reputation as a strong defender, Vanderbilt’s offensive struggles have reached a critical point, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning his role on the team.
In the playoffs last season, Vanderbilt’s performance was notably subpar, and it appears those issues persist. Analysts highlight his lack of confidence in shooting, particularly from beyond the arc, where he has repeatedly missed wide-open opportunities. His inability to convert easy layups only compounds the problem, leading to a stagnant offense when he is on the court.
The Lakers’ spacing suffers dramatically when Vanderbilt plays the four alongside non-shooters like Jackson A and DeAndre Ayton. This lack of offensive threat from the perimeter allows opposing defenses to collapse into the paint, stifling the Lakers’ offensive flow. Analysts point to multiple instances where Vanderbilt’s hesitance to shoot resulted in missed opportunities to stretch the floor, forcing teammates to adjust their game to compensate for his shortcomings.
As the Lakers gear up for what promises to be a challenging season, the question looms large: Can Vanderbilt find a way to contribute offensively, or will his struggles continue to plague the team? The urgency for a solution is palpable, as the Lakers cannot afford to have a key player hinder their chances of success. All eyes will be on Vanderbilt as the season unfolds, with fans hoping for a turnaround before it’s too late. The clock is ticking, and the pressure is mounting.
