Jarred Vanderbilt Highlights Growing Concern Over Lakers' Defensive Struggles

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers have been dynamic offensively, but their defense remains a troubling issue. After a 132-119 loss to the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Cup Quarterfinals, it's clear that the team’s defensive problems are becoming harder to ignore. Amidst these struggles, one player believes he can help: Jarred Vanderbilt.

Vanderbilt, who has been largely sidelined from the rotation since LeBron James returned in mid-November, is eager to step up and help solidify the Lakers' defense.

🔥 Defense in Decline

Over the Lakers' last 10 games, they have surrendered an average of 120.1 points per game. While the team has gone 7-3 during this stretch, the defense has been consistently subpar, even during their recent seven-game win streak.

For a team that prides itself on championship aspirations, simply outscoring opponents won’t be enough come playoff time. The Lakers' struggles on defense have been especially pronounced, and now, with the team at 17-7, their recent form is starting to show cracks.

“We were just outscoring everybody,” Vanderbilt admitted. “The defense still wasn’t there, even when we were winning.”

🛡️ Vanderbilt’s Role in the Defense

Vanderbilt, known for his physicality and defensive prowess, sees an opportunity to help turn things around. Although he is not the lone solution to the team’s defensive woes, he knows his skill set can bring the intensity the Lakers are missing.

“I’m pretty eager,” said Vanderbilt. “I think I can help provide what we lack on that end. Obviously, physicality is something we need.”

During recent team practices, the Lakers coaching staff focused on reviewing defensive breakdowns with film sessions, emphasizing that much of the team’s issues can be fixed without massive changes.

“We haven’t been aggressive, we haven’t been physical, we haven’t been getting back on defense,” Vanderbilt said. “These are things we can control.”

📈 A Chance for Change

The Lakers' coaching staff is reportedly considering putting Vanderbilt back into the rotation to bolster their defense, with head coach JJ Redick acknowledging that the player could be crucial to improving the team's performance.

With the Western Conference standings getting tighter and teams like the San Antonio Spurs breathing down their necks, the Lakers are aware that fixing their defensive issues is crucial to maintaining their competitive edge as the season progresses.

“It’s time to address certain things before they get worse,” Vanderbilt added.

🏁 Looking Ahead

Despite the ongoing defensive concerns, the Lakers remain in a solid position at 17-7, but they have dropped to fifth in the West. As the competition stiffens, fixing their defense is essential if they want to stay at the top.

Jarred Vanderbilt could very well be a key piece in their defensive revival — if the Lakers can put their trust in him to help patch up the cracks in their game.