After acquiring him at the 2023 trade deadline, the Lakers saw firsthand the type of impact Jarred Vanderbilt could have for them - particularly on the defensive side of the floor. His ability to defend almost any type of perimeter threat at the point of attack on the ball while still helping to disrupt offenses by jumping passing lanes and navigating screens helped elevate the Lakers defense.
However, in the team's playoff run that spring, Vanderbilt's offensive limitations were spotlighted by opposing defenses as the more targeted gameplans by opposing offenses gamed to put him in more compromised defensive positions to limit his effectiveness.
Last season, Vanderbilt had a season from hell from an injury perspective, hurting his heel in the preseason and then spraining his foot in early February - effectively ending his season.
After that lost season, the hope is that Vando can solidify his role and return to form, especially since he was a fantastic complement to Anthony Davis and someone who helped fill out all different types of lineups with his defensive versatility.
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