Jarred Vanderbilt has been a non-factor for the Los Angeles Lakers in the last two seasons. After an impressive start to his L.A. career, Vanderbilt played in only 65 games over the last two years due to injuries.
However, after watching Vando fill up the stat sheet during Sunday’s 103-111 preseason loss to the Golden State Warriors, Lakers head coach JJ Redick was all praises for the 26-year-old forward.
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“I’ve been very impressed with just the amount of work he’s done this summer on his game, and obviously, his body is significantly better than this time last year, or even when the season ended.” Redick said. “He’s moving better; his handle is tighter. I’ve never seen him make a Euro Decel finish.”
First healthy summer in L.A. for Vando
The Lakers acquired Vanderbilt from the Utah Jazz in the Russell Westbrook trade. He quickly drew attention for his two-way presence and defensive pressure, which helped the Lakers reach the 2023 Western Conference Finals.
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However, since signing him to a four-year $48 million extension in September 2023, injuries have robbed him of the opportunity to make a difference for his team. But after entering training camp 100% healthy for the first time as a Laker, Jarred has been able to work on and off the court, including improving his game.
And after a so-so performance against the Phoenix Suns in their first preseason game, Vanderbilt had 9 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals against Golden State. He shot 4-8 from the field, including 1-3 from 3-point range and that impressive Euro-step deceleration move that looked straight off Luka Doncic’s playbook.
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“It’s good. He’s been working on his game. And the shot is the big thing for him, if he can be a consistent three-point shooter for us, that unlocks a lot,” added Redick.
Jake says Vando’s 3-point shooting stroke looks better now
At 6’8″, Vando is known for his defense and hustle. Also, before his injury problems, he was a decent scorer and was beginning to get confident shooting from long distance.
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He shot over 30 percent for the first time in his career during the 2022-23 season, and then his percentage plummeted in the past two seasons. However, his teammates have noticed that he’s more confident shooting 3-pointers this offseason.
“Yeah, I mean it’s gotten much better,” Jake LaRavia said of Vanderbilt’s shooting. “I know early on in my career, we didn’t respect him as a shooter. But fair to see that he can shoot the ball very well now. He’s been hitting shots. I don’t know if he tweaked something, but yeah, it looks really good now, and it’s going in.”
Maybe LaRavia was just trying to say nice things about his new teammate. But then maybe not. During Sunday’s post-game presser, a reporter told coach Redick that Vando looked comfortable shooting 3’s on Sunday. Sure, he was just 1-3 from downtown.
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But for a Lakers team that was just 15th in 3-point makes and 14th in 3-point percentage last season, you’ll take any small improvement. And if he gets better next season, that could be the difference-maker for the Lakers.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Oct 6, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.