The Los Angeles Lakers started the season as strong as any team in the league, and they were doing it without LeBron James. The veteran opened the year sidelined with an injury but was encouraged by how the team performed in his absence. Ultimately, James wants to finish his career competing for a championship.
“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Rich Paul told ESPN. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we’ve had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.”
The Lakers eventually began to falter, and after the All-Star break, head coach JJ Redick made the decision to start Marcus Smart.
“The Lakers need Smart’s energy and infectiousness on the floor with their stars. The 6’3 wing can help keep the ball moving and will have them bought in on defense. He is the perfect fit in nearly any unit, but even more so when Los Angeles needs exactly what he’s known for. Hachimura and LeBron have overlapping skills that make them far from the ideal fit. Smart was always the superior answer,” Lake Show Life’s Tyler Watts wrote.
On Sunday night, the Lakers were fully healthy, and fan favorite Jarred Vanderbilt was the only player to receive a DNP. It appears that could remain the case when the roster is at full strength.
“The Los Angeles Lakers cut Jarred Vanderbilt from their rotation in Sunday’s dominant win over the Kings. LA shot 50 percent from the field and 45 percent on their threes. That likely would not have happened with Vando in the rotation. The Lakers are using LeBron more on his own, which makes it even harder to play a second non-shooter. Redick axed Vanderbilt, and it certainly worked. Fans shouldn’t expect to see the 6’8 forward back in the rotation on Tuesday night against the Pelicans. If the Lakers are healthy, Vando appears to be glued to the bench,” Watts wrote.
Vanderbilt was a key contributor for the Lakers when he was first acquired, but with the current makeup of the roster, shooting is a priority. Vanderbilt does not provide high-percentage shooting, which has officially impacted his playing time.
The Lakers are looking to build momentum before the playoffs begin. LA knows it has the talent to compete with anyone, but putting together two complete halves of basketball has been a challenge at times.