The Los Angeles Lakers are witnessing the gradual resurgence of Jarred Vanderbilt, who had been an instrumental piece in their lineup alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis last season. Acquired at the trade deadline, Vanderbilt quickly became a defensive force and an energy booster, earning a spot in the starting lineup under the guidance of Darvin Ham.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
However, the current season posed challenges for Vanderbilt, with a heel issue sidelining him right from the beginning. Despite his return to the court, he struggled to replicate the impactful performance of the previous season. Recently, in a game against the Phoenix Suns, Vanderbilt displayed a promising performance, contributing six points, nine rebounds, and two steals in 29 minutes.
Table of Contents
Cam Reddish’s departure from the game due to a knee injury created an opportunity for Vanderbilt, leading to an increased playing time. LeBron James, acknowledging Vanderbilt’s potential, expressed optimism about the forward returning to his prime form. James emphasized the importance of health and acknowledged the team’s ongoing struggles with injuries.
Stated LeBron James after the game. “Health is the most important, and obviously
“We know what we have in Vando, and as he continues to get healthier, we know what we’ll get out of him,” stated LeBron after the game. “Health is the most important, and obviously, we need Cam to worry about that before he gets back on the floor. But we know what we get out of Vando, especially when he’s back in rhythm and feeling better.”
Vanderbilt’s resurgence is crucial for the Lakers, who rely on their defensive prowess, and he stands out as one of the league’s best defenders. Despite setbacks from the heel issue, Darvin Ham sees signs of the real Vanderbilt making a comeback.
“I just think he’s starting to see that burst again,” said Ham. “His activity has improved with each and every game. He knows where to be. You’re starting to see that quick twitch coming back.”
Vanderbilt’s hustle plays, such as chasing down loose balls and securing offensive rebounds, can significantly impact the game’s momentum. The Lakers, a team that thrives with Vanderbilt at his best, are approaching that level as he continues to regain his form.
LeBron James : Despite the recent struggles that have diminished their championship aura
In a testament to his confidence in the team’s potential, Vanderbilt remains steadfast in his belief that the Lakers can compete for a championship. Despite the recent struggles that have diminished their championship aura, Vanderbilt remains optimistic about overcoming this challenging phase.
“I still believe. I mean, it’s the NBA,” affirmed Vanderbilt. “We’re just going through a rough patch right now, and it happens on every single team I’ve been on, whether we started off hot or started off slow. Everybody goes through it.”
Acknowledging the team’s current situation as a temporary rough patch, Vanderbilt emphasizes the need for individual efforts to improve collectively. As the Lakers navigate through challenges, the goal remains to unite as a team, address individual shortcomings, and collectively work towards achieving championship aspirations.
Los Angeles Lakers Strive to Overcome Challenges Against Surging Jazz
Paul George Shines with 37 Points as Clippers Dominate Short-Handed Grizzlies