Are Jarred Vanderbilt's days with the Lakers numbered?

The Lakers are looking to optimize their roster around LeBron James and Luka Doncic. While both James and Doncic need shooting, Doncic also benefits from having a rim-rolling center. Right now, the Lakers have no center on their roster.

There were some rumors that the Lakers might look to draft a center. But it seems like they are determined to get Doncic a bit more experienced partner. What they did was draft a younger version of Vanderbilt. Los Angeles had no pick in the first round, but it managed to move up several spots in the second round and grab Adou Thiero.

Thiero is coming off a career year playing for head coach John Calipari, averaging 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.6 steals this past season. He is an explosive and defensive-minded forward who can do almost everything Vanderbilt can. Thiero is slightly smaller than Vanderbilt, two inches shorter and 14 pounds lighter, but he is also 21 years old and projects to be a high-level defender.

Vanderbilt has solid trade value

In 2023, Vanderbilt signed a four-year, $48M contract extension to remain with the club after arriving via trade with the Utah Jazz. His fourth year is a player option for the 2027-28 season. Vanderbilt will earn less than the non-tax mid-level exception, making him a great option for teams looking for some wing depth and help. Right now, Vanderbilt might be the most attractive trade asset in terms of players and salary for the Lakers. Combined with their future draft picks, Vanderbilt can bring back a valuable and serviceable starting center.

Busy offseason for Vanderbilt

Despite not being a free agent, Vanderbilt will have to pay close attention to free agency. His status with the Lakers will largely depend on what the team manages to do in free agency. For starters, the Lakers have to wait and see whether Dorian Finney-Smith exercises his player option or decides to opt out and re-sign for a longer deal. Depending on his decision and what James does with his player option, the Lakers can get under the tax and offer more money to free-agent centers.

Los Angeles can re-sign Jaxson Hayes if he doesn’t find a team looking to give him more money and playing time. If the Lakers fail to address their center issue via free agency, a trade is the next option. They didn’t draft a center and now have only free agency or trades to get a starting big. L.A. cannot afford to go into next season without a clear option as the starting center.