Jarred Vanderbilt was one of the more valuable acquisitions to the Los Angeles Lakers ahead of the trade deadline. And since his arrival, he has been a vital cog in the team’s defensive unit.
This has had Lakers faithful debating if he was the one who could stop Golden State Warriors’ sharpshooter, Stephen Curry, when the two teams square off in the second round of the NBA 2023 playoffs. The team’s Reddit page saw a debate unfold if he was indeed the one who could lock up the sharpshooter. The responses were mixed.
“I feel like Vando is the perfect Steph defender. He is 6’9 and lengthy. Fast af and can move through screens very well. Plus he has an exceptional motor,” a fan opined.
This was seconded by another who wrote, “He’s more like 6’7 but I agree he is very lean/light which makes him faster and with better endurance. I hope he can make the series very hard on Steph.”
“He might be the x-factor this series, tracking down some of those offensive boards that Looney was feasting on,” another remarked.
Some felt he would be posted on Andrew Wiggins. “I think he’ll be on Wiggins maybe. Schroder is better at fighting through screens.” Another segment made a similar suggestion, or even Austin Reaves.
“Yeah, I think Dennis for sure is our best option, but I guess it may be AR? He can chase a bit and if I remember correctly did a good job on Steph last year when they matched up.”
“Doubt he will be Curry’s primary defender. Maybe in spurts but Schroder should defend Curry more especially since they love screening,” a comment read. On a more general note, “Perimeter defense is going to be the name of the game this series,” a fan said.
The forward has been one of the more instrumental pieces for the Lakers, prompting the side to plan and exercise the team option for the 2023-24 season. He is now slated to suit up again for the Purple and Gold next edition.
The Lakers Have A Shot At Making Jarred Vanderbilt More Effective
Over the years, LA has been known to blood young talent, and there are ample instances — be it, Kyle Kuzma, or Alex Caruso, or even Austin Reaves.
When it comes to Vanderbilt, the forward has the frame, the athleticism, and the perimeter defense skills to become the team’s defensive pioneer in the seasons to come, and should be molded right, he has the necessary skill set to become one of the best forwards in the league.
The ongoing season has him average 7.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. The overall season has him propping up 7.9 points, 7.5 boards, and 2.4 assists.
The Lakers will face the Warriors in the second round of the playoffs, and whoever Vanderbilt is assigned to guard, there’s no doubt he will have his task cut out
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