The Lakers will have to approach the 2024-25 season with caution, as rumors say defensive ace Jarred Vanderbilt may not be ready in time for training camp as he recovers from a left foot injury. There’s always a chance Vando makes a full recovery by the time preseason rolls around, but what if that’s not the case? What if—similar to last season—Vanderbilt returns during the regular season and gets off to another slow start? Here are three rotational players to monitor as fans await Vanderbilt’s return—all of whom may play key roles once the new season tips off.
Three Lakers Who Must Step Up With Vanderbilt Uncertain
Rui Hachimura
The first player to keep an eye on is Rui Hachimura, who played an integral role for the Lakers last season even when Vanderbilt was healthy. The 26-year-old mostly came off the bench before earning a permanent starting spot in February. In 68 games (39 starts), he averaged 13.6 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists on .537/.422/.739 splits. With his size, offensive versatility and recent track record, Hachimura already figures to be a penciled-in starter next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. However, without Vanderbilt available, Rui’s role could very well increase, and there’s an expectation his production does the same.
Dalton Knecht
Although he’s only a rookie, Dalton Knecht could see legit NBA minutes early on with LA’s deficiencies up front. The 17th pick in this year’s draft, Knecht’s blend of movement shooting and athleticism make him a perfect fit for the organization. He showed flashes of each during Summer League in Las Vegas, where he put up 21.3 points per game while shooting nearly 42% from the field and 39% from three-point range. Since then, Knecht has reportedly gained muscle in the offseason, an added bonus for the 6’6” wing who came into the draft at 212 pounds. The 23-year-old may be ready to play heavy minutes in the preseason, where LA will likely showcase their younger players in an effort to protect their stars from injury. However, Knecht’s biggest question following training camp will be his readiness to play in JJ Redick’s rotation.
Cam Reddish
The third Laker to watch in Vanderbilt’s prolonged absence is one who needs to get back on track. 25-year-old Cam Reddish had a year to forget for the Lakers last season, as injuries only allowed him to play 48 games. In 20 minutes per contest, he averaged 5.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, one assist and one steal per game, shooting 39% from the field, 33% from deep and 76% from the charity stripe. Though his production was subpar, the 6’8” wing was serviceable as one of the team’s point-of-attack defenders, a necessity when Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent were out last season. With the former projected to be sidelined a little while longer, it’s imperative that Reddish maintains his disruptive defense while improving his scoring on the offensive end.
Here’s the thing about Cam Reddish:
1. He’s NOT a GOOD NBA Player overall. And no team should be consistently relying on him to be a mainstay Piece in their rotation.
BUT-
2. He also just so happens to be GOOD (& 6’9) at the ONE thing the Lakers NEED HELP in: POA Defense. pic.twitter.com/lfiJDQjMAN
— Lakers Legacy (@LakersLegacyPod) September 6, 2024
The Last Word
With Jarred Vanderbilt’s status still up in the air, look for these Lakers to take on more responsibilities in an effort to fill the void he’s left open. It would be perfect if Vando can hit the ground running during preseason, but if not, the team should have proper contingency plans in place, and Hachimura, Knecht and Reddish seem like great options in that regard.
