Bold take: Jarred Vanderbilt’s absence from the Lakers’ rotation isn’t a mystery of effort but a strategic rotation issue—and he’s still very much in the team’s plans. After what was arguably his healthiest offseason in years, Vanderbilt stands to be a key two-way contributor for the Lakers in the 2025-26 campaign, a fact JJ Redick explicitly supports.
Redick voiced strong confidence in Vanderbilt’s fit, describing him as a potentially impactful two-way player for Los Angeles. Though Vanderbilt has maintained his high-energy, hustle-driven approach this season, he has fallen out of the rotation since LeBron James returned to action.
Here’s how Redick explained the situation and Vanderbilt’s handling of it. He acknowledged Vanderbilt’s professionalism and leadership, crediting his readiness and teammate mindset during recent practices. Redick noted that, before LeBron came back, there were clear expectations Vanderbilt needed to meet consistently to earn minutes, and that a nine-man rotation could create a numbers crunch that pushed him toward the bench—even when the team was winning.
The coach stressed that the door isn’t closed on Vanderbilt. Rotation spots can rotate with health and lineup needs, and when the Lakers face a stretch of wins or injuries, Vanderbilt could re-enter the mix. Redick expressed empathy for Vanderbilt, recognizing that this is a tough spot for any player and a challenging dynamic for a coach to manage.
From a basketball standpoint, Vanderbilt’s defense and ability to make timely winning plays remain valuable. Offensively, he’s faced some struggles, with opponents often opting to congest the paint when he’s on the floor, inviting skip passes or outside shooting attempts from teammates. That dynamic has compelled Redick to lean on other lineup options at times.
Despite the current hiccup, the Lakers’ depth suggests Vanderbilt will likely regain rotation minutes once the team needs his particular skill set again. Health and consistency could determine his return, and staying ready is essential if his chance arrives during a game or in future matchups.
Vanderbilt also commented on the broader Lakers performance, noting that many issues in their defeat were controllable factors. He pointed to execution of the game plan and overall implementation as areas the team must improve to rebound going forward.
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