This kid is found money.
One of your Los Angeles Lakers’ less-heralded new additions is reserve big man Jarred Vanderbilt, who arrived to LA by way of the Utah Jazz as part of Rob Pelinka’s excellent trade to get off the atrocious $47.1 million contract of Russell Westbrook.
Maximum-salaried combo guard D’Angelo Russell, LA’s own former No. 2 draft pick out of OSU and a one-time All-Star, was the headliner of the three-team Westbrook deal. Volume three-point shooter Malik Beasley (along with Russell) fulfilled perhaps LA’s biggest need, long range shooting. Another new post-trade deadline Laker, Mo Bamba, fit the kind of 3-and-D modern big man model the team had been contemplating in its much-discussed hypothetical deal for Pacers big Myles Turner.
The 23-year-old Vanderbilt, on an insanely reasonable $4.3 million contract this season (and under team control through 2024), immediately showed off what he could do on the floor, as both a versatile, hyper-athletic defender and a sneaky-good offensive piece. Former Showtime Laker and Hall of Fame forward James Worthy spoke at length on Spectrum SportsNet about Vanderbilt’s terrific first performance on Saturday against the Golden State Warriors.
“I heard a lot about this kid, very active,” Worthy said. “I think he’s going to be a major asset with this team, the way he plays the game on both ends. Very active. He never spectates. Always going to the boards. I think he had two offensive boards for a total of eight.”
Worthy then highlighted Vanderbilt’s hustle on both ends of the floor with his “Access 360″ segment, breaking down select plays that showcased the 6’9” big man’s court vision in dishing out a crafty pass to Wenyen Gabriel beneath the net, some great pick work, and a tactical steal.
“Nice size, wingspan, very active,” Worthy continued in his assessment. “I think he’s going to be a major asset, getting extra possessions. Really good defender, doesn’t mind going to the offensive boards. He does a lot of really good things [well] on the basketball court. It’s good to see with his first game with the Lakers.”
In just under 17 minutes, Vanderbilt scored 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting from the field, grabbed eight rebounds, dished out four dimes, and swiped the aforementioned one steal. His hustle and energy have instantly endeared him to the Lakers faithful as someone to watch. Who knows what kind of damage he could do with a bit more playing time?
