The Los Angeles Lakers have locked up a core piece
It was announced on Friday by The Athletic’s that the Los Angeles Lakers have signed Jarred Vanderbilt to a four-year, $48M contract extension. Vanderbilt, who began his career with the Denver Nuggets, has grown into a high-level starting wing in the NBA.
Still not much of a threat offensively, Vanderbilt is an elite defender that can lock down some of the NBA’s most prolific scorers. Next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Vanderbilt will have a specific role that he looks willing and capable to fill.
The Lakers acquired Vanderbilt from the Utah Jazz at least season’s trade deadline as part of the major deal that sent Russell Westbrook to Utah while bringing back Vanderbilt, D’Angelo Russell, and Malik Beasley. While Russell and Beasley were up and down with Los Angeles, Vanderbilt was mostly steady in his role, and got rewarded with a nice contract extension.
Vanderbilt’s lack of shooting became somewhat of an issue at times for the Lakers last season, as teams were able to leave him open while helping inside against James and Davis. While this is something the Lakers will have to manage, Vanderbilt is also just 24 years old, and could certainly improve his outside shot.
This is a good deal for both sides, as the Lakers lock up a likely starter, and Vanderbilt gets some longterm money.
