The Los Angeles Lakers have made a significant change to their starting lineup, moving point guard D’Angelo Russell to the bench and promoting versatile power forward Jarred Vanderbilt to the starting lineup.
Russell, a former second overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft, has had a roller-coaster career in the NBA, starting with the Lakers before being traded to the Brooklyn Nets in 2017.
After a successful stint with the Nets, including an All-Star selection in 2019, Russell was traded to the Golden State Warriors and then to the Minnesota Timberwolves. In February 2023, he was traded back to the Lakers in a three-team trade involving the Timberwolves and Jazz.
Vanderbilt, a second-round pick in the 2018 NBA draft, has steadily improved his game over the years, known for his rebounding, defense, and hustle. He was traded from the Utah Jazz to the Lakers in February 2023 as part of the same trade that brought Russell back to the Lakers.
In September 2023, Vanderbilt agreed to a four-year, $48 million contract extension with the Lakers, marking his promotion to the starting lineup.
The decision to move Russell to the bench and start Vanderbilt is a strategic one, as it allows the Lakers to improve their defense and rebounding while also boosting their bench scoring. However, this decision has its risks, as Russell, a proven scorer and playmaker, could potentially disrupt the team’s offensive rhythm.
On the other hand, Vanderbilt, a solid role player, does not have the same offensive prowess as Russell.
In conclusion, the Lakers’ decision to move D’Angelo Russell to the bench and start Vanderbilt is a strategic move aimed at improving the team’s defense and rebounding while also boosting their bench scoring. The success of this move will depend on how well both players adapt to their new roles and its impact on the team’s overall performance.