Jarred Vanderbilt, acquired by the Los Angeles Lakers in February 2023, quickly became a fan favorite but faced injury struggles throughout the past season. After missing the early part of the season with a heel injury and later a foot injury that limited his play, he returned to contribute in the playoffs, averaging 1.4 points and 3.8 rebounds. His defensive versatility remains a strong asset for the Lakers, despite offensive limitations.

Despite improvements, Vanderbilt's shooting from three-point range was disappointing, hitting only 28.1% of his attempts. His effectiveness in the halfcourt is still a work in progress, though he can push the pace on fast breaks. With a contract extension running through the 2027-28 season, he may find himself involved in trade rumors as the Lakers look to adjust their roster for next season.