The Los Angeles Lakers plan to exercise forward Jarred Vanderbilt’s $4.7 million team option for next season, according to NBA insider Dave McMenamin of ESPN. Vanderbilt will be eligible for a contract extension worth up to four years and $71 million starting on September 7.
The Lakers acquired Vanderbilt from the Utah Jazz at the February trade deadline and the lefty helped Los Angeles turn its season around with his defense and intangibles.
Vanderbilt averaged 7.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.2 steals in 26 games with the Lakers while shooting 52.9% from the floor, 30.3% from beyond the arc and 78.4% from the free-throw line.
The purple and gold made it all the way to the 2023 Western Conference Finals, where they got swept by the Denver Nuggets. Vanderbilt averaged 4.6 points and 3.2 rebounds in the 2023 playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors and Nuggets. He has to improve his 3-point shooting and overall offensive package for the Lakers to be more dangerous next season.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Jarred Vanderbilt & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
The 24-year-old Vanderbilt has career averages of 6.2 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists with the Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Jazz and Lakers.
The biggest storyline with the Lakers this offseason is the future of superstar LeBron James, who told reporters after the Nuggets series he may retire this summer. However, despite LeBron’s comments, the Lakers continue to operate as if the NBA legend will be back next season, according to Jovan Buha of The Athletic.
James signed a two-year extension with the Lakers last summer. He has a player option for the 2024-25 season. “The King” averaged 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 6.8 assists this past season while shooting 50.0% from the field, 32.1% from beyond the arc and 76.8% from the free-throw line.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Jarred Vanderbilt & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
LeBron turns 39 on December 30, 2023. He put up 24.5 points, 9.9 boards and 6.5 assists per game in the 2023 playoffs.
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