The Los Angeles Lakers performed their first preseason recreation on Friday evening, dropping to the Phoenix Suns 81-103. Regardless of the losses, Lakers head coach JJ Redick highlighted one participant whom he believes is a vivid spot for his crew.
Within the first preseason recreation, the Los Angeles Lakers have been with out LeBron James and Lukadon Sic. It was clear that each would assist win the sport. Doncic had a busy summer time with Eurobasket. In order that’s why we will see that he performed this recreation.
In the meantime, James had nerve stimulation on his lute, so he noticed the sport from the bystander. The Lakers struggled because of the absence of the star participant, however there was a disappointing efficiency, particularly from Deandre Ayton.
Regardless of his tough efficiency, Lakers head coach JJ Redick was happy with one participant. The participant was Jarred Vanderbilt, one of many gamers Lakers followers needed to carry out higher this time.
As a coach, Redick has a singular perspective on what he desires from his crew. Provided that this can be a preseason recreation, he needed to see a combat from the gamers. Vanderbilt confirmed off it by standing out in protection and power.
Aside from his traditional traits, Vanderbilt has made some enhancements to his offensive recreation. Previously, Vanderbilt was thought of a legal responsibility for assaults as he was an inefficient shooter, however he thrived as a dunker’s location and cutter. Regardless of these points, the Lakers held as much as Vanderbilt, understanding he may contribute.
In fact, Vanderbilt solely scored one level, in order that offensive breakout did not occur towards the Suns. Nonetheless, he caught Redick’s eye and the coach was impressed by the wholesome Vanderbilt working arduous for the crew.
“He was a vivid spot. He thought his physicality, his stage of conditioning, he can be an elite, offensive rebounder for us this yr,” Reddick mentioned after the match.
“He is actually labored on his photographs, I do know he did not present it tonight, however he is engaged on the photographs and he is filming an more and more snug spot-up 3.
The massive story for the Lakers is Vanderbilt’s enhancements as a shooter. That is essential to the crew. As a result of they want extra spot-up shooters. Provided that Vanderbilt is just not a well known menace, he was in a position to make use of some photographs to knock down within the 2025-26 season.
Jake Laravia factors out that Vanderbilt has improved capturing within the offseason. The Lakers want his contribution to justify him getting common minutes. Previously, they’ve struggled due to his wonderful defensive worth, however the lack of offensive firepower has develop into a problem.
Vanderbilt might have performed a serious position within the 2025-26 season as Reddick realizes his offseason efforts. In fact, Louis Hachimura would possibly begin earlier than him, however Vanderbilt will clearly play a key position from the bench as a disruptive defender who could be filmed proper now.
If he can attain the ceiling, the Lakers might have hidden weapons. Donsic and James are prime stars, but when they will securely cross by Vanderbilt and hit photographs and defend on the highest stage, the Lakers can have a extra balanced crew.
