{"id":94731,"date":"2024-09-07T18:29:02","date_gmt":"2024-09-07T22:29:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=94731"},"modified":"2024-09-07T18:29:02","modified_gmt":"2024-09-07T22:29:02","slug":"three-lakers-who-must-step-up-with-jarred-vanderbilt-uncertain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/09\/07\/three-lakers-who-must-step-up-with-jarred-vanderbilt-uncertain\/","title":{"rendered":"Three Lakers Who Must Step Up With Vanderbilt Uncertain"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Lakers will have to approach the 2024-25 season with caution, as rumors say defensive ace Jarred Vanderbilt <\/a><\/span>may not be ready in time for training camp<\/span><\/a> as he recovers from a left foot injury. There\u2019s always a chance Vando makes a full recovery by the time <\/span>preseason<\/span><\/a>\u00a0rolls around, but what if that\u2019s not the case? What if\u2014similar to last season\u2014Vanderbilt returns during the regular season and gets off to another slow start? Here are three rotational players to monitor as fans await Vanderbilt\u2019s return\u2014all of whom may play key roles once the new season tips off.<\/span><\/p>\n

Three Lakers Who Must Step Up With Vanderbilt Uncertain<\/b><\/h2>\n

Rui Hachimura<\/b><\/h3>\n

The first player to keep an eye on is <\/span>Rui Hachimura<\/span><\/a>, 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 <\/span>LeBron James<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Anthony Davis<\/span><\/a>. However, without Vanderbilt available, Rui\u2019s role could very well increase, and there\u2019s an expectation his production does the same.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dalton Knecht<\/b><\/h3>\n

Although he\u2019s only a rookie, <\/span>Dalton Knecht<\/span><\/a> could see legit NBA minutes early on with LA\u2019s deficiencies up front. The 17th pick in this year\u2019s draft, Knecht\u2019s blend of movement shooting and athleticism make him a perfect fit for the organization. He showed flashes of each during\u00a0<\/span>Summer League<\/span><\/a> 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 <\/span>reportedly gained muscle in the offseason<\/span><\/a>, an added bonus for the 6\u20196\u201d wing who came into the draft at <\/span>212 pounds<\/span><\/a>. 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\u2019s biggest question following training camp will be his readiness to play in <\/span>JJ Redick<\/span><\/a>\u2019s rotation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cam Reddish<\/b><\/h3>\n

The third Laker to watch in Vanderbilt\u2019s prolonged absence is one who needs to get back on track. 25-year-old <\/span>Cam Reddish<\/span><\/a> 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\u20198\u201d wing was serviceable as one of the team\u2019s point-of-attack defenders, a necessity when Vanderbilt and <\/span>Gabe Vincent<\/span><\/a> were out last season. With the former projected to be sidelined a little while longer, it\u2019s imperative that Reddish maintains his disruptive defense while improving his scoring on the offensive end.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Here\u2019s the thing about Cam Reddish:<\/p>\n

1. He\u2019s NOT a GOOD NBA Player overall. And no team should be consistently relying on him to be a mainstay Piece in their rotation.<\/p>\n

BUT-<\/p>\n

2. He also just so happens to be GOOD (& 6\u20199) at the ONE thing the Lakers NEED HELP in: POA Defense. pic.twitter.com\/lfiJDQjMAN<\/a><\/p>\n

— Lakers Legacy (@LakersLegacyPod) September 6, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n