Originally published by LakersNation.com
Much of the focus for the Los Angeles Lakers has been on all of the new faces the franchise added to the roster this offseason such as Walker Kessler and Quentin Grimes. But there are still a few returning players and one of the more interesting is veteran Jarred Vanderbilt.
The defensive-minded forward is one of the more trusted veterans on this roster and has embraced that role over the past couple of years, even being something of a protector for superstar Luka Doncic. But putting on this Lakers uniform and playing for this franchise is different than any other team, and Vanderbilt has already been spreading that word to his new teammates.
“I have, actually,” Vanderbilt responded at Lakers Media Day when asked if he’s spoken to new players about what it means to be a Laker. “I think a lot of these guys I actually kind of had some former relationship with, whether they were former teammates or like Quentin, I knew since he was like in middle school, or just guys I’ve known through the past, through the summer.
“But yeah, just kind of just letting them know what it means to kind of be a Laker and what comes with that, the good and the bad, and just kind of just stay even-keeled, never get too high, never get too low. But also, just taking advantage of this moment, playing for a franchise like the Lakers, it just means more. So, just capitalizing on that and just being ready for everything that comes your way.”
The amount of attention and pressure that comes with being a member of this franchise is unmatched throughout the NBA. Fans will let players know when they are unsatisfied and media covers every little thing. But that also leads to an immense level of praise and joy when players come through and deliver on those biggest stages. And those who have done so, whether stars or role players, remain beloved to this day.
Vanderbilt having a consistent rotation spot with the Lakers seems unlikely with all the additions the franchise made this summer, but head coach JJ Redick has turned to him in the past when the team has needed a boost and he is still more than capable of making an impact. But even if he isn’t playing big minutes, he can still be an important piece in the locker room and keeping everyone on the same page pushing towards their goal.
Austin Reaves impressed with Lakers’ defensive personnel
Of course, Vanderbilt’s specialty is his defense and that side of the ball remains a question for the Lakers going into this season. But Austin Reaves has been impressed with what he’s seen from his teammates on that side of the court so far in training camp.
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Much of the focus for the Los Angeles Lakers has been on all of the new faces the franchise added to the roster this offseason such as Walker Kessler and Quentin Grimes. But there are still a few returning players and one of the more interesting is veteran Jarred Vanderbilt.
The defensive-minded forward is one of the more trusted veterans on this roster and has embraced that role over the past couple of years, even being something of a protector for superstar Luka Doncic. But putting on this Lakers uniform and playing for this franchise is different than any other team, and Vanderbilt has already been spreading that word to his new teammates.
“I have, actually,” Vanderbilt responded at Lakers Media Day when asked if he’s spoken to new players about what it means to be a Laker. “I think a lot of these guys I actually kind of had some former relationship with, whether they were former teammates or like Quentin, I knew since he was like in middle school, or just guys I’ve known through the past, through the summer.
“But yeah, just kind of just letting them know what it means to kind of be a Laker and what comes with that, the good and the bad, and just kind of just stay even-keeled, never get too high, never get too low. But also, just taking advantage of this moment, playing for a franchise like the Lakers, it just means more. So, just capitalizing on that and just being ready for everything that comes your way.”
The amount of attention and pressure that comes with being a member of this franchise is unmatched throughout the NBA. Fans will let players know when they are unsatisfied and media covers every little thing. But that also leads to an immense level of praise and joy when players come through and deliver on those biggest stages. And those who have done so, whether stars or role players, remain beloved to this day.
Vanderbilt having a consistent rotation spot with the Lakers seems unlikely with all the additions the franchise made this summer, but head coach JJ Redick has turned to him in the past when the team has needed a boost and he is still more than capable of making an impact. But even if he isn’t playing big minutes, he can still be an important piece in the locker room and keeping everyone on the same page pushing towards their goal.
Austin Reaves impressed with Lakers’ defensive personnel
Of course, Vanderbilt’s specialty is his defense and that side of the ball remains a question for the Lakers going into this season. But Austin Reaves has been impressed with what he’s seen from his teammates on that side of the court so far in training camp.
If you love our reporting, choose LakersNation.com as a preferred source on Google.