Lakers expected to cut ties with $48M forward, but his 3-point jumper appeared first on The Sporting News. Click here to add Sports News as your go-to source.
The Los Angeles Lakers have several one-dimensional players that will continue to hurt their championship chances as long as they are on the roster.
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While Los Angeles may not be able to successfully get rid of all of them, Lake Show Life’s Svyatoslav Rovenchuk believes severing ties with a 27-year-old forward who doesn’t have a three-point jumper should be a priority.
“Jared Vanderbilt’s best days may be behind him,” Lowenchuk wrote on Monday. “After years of injuries, the Lakers forward is still a high-energy guy, but not much else.”
“Vanderbilt has two years left on his $48 million contract. That should make him a salary-matching tool for Pelinka when he gets a real upgrade in the offseason.”
“Like the other players here, Wando doesn’t fill Doncic’s needs moving forward. Even when he plays defense, his offense rarely follows up, limiting the two-way upside needed around Luka (Doncic).”
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There’s no doubt that developing the 3-point shot will help Vanderbilt stay in JJ Redick’s rotation this season. Being a high-level, switchable, physical defender is a significant asset, but it’s not enough to earn regular playing time on a winning Lakers team.
While Vanderbilt had no problem shooting corner 3s in offseason workout videos, that didn’t translate to the major leagues. The Kentucky product shot 29.3 percent from 3-point range in 65 games, his third consecutive season shooting below 30 percent from long range.
In short, Vanderbilt’s outside shooting issues may prompt the Lakers to trade him before the start of next season.
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