Is Jarred Vanderbilt on the Trade Block?
Jarred Vanderbilt not playing these last four games hasn’t gone unnoticed, and the key detail here is simple. This wasn’t an injury setback or conditioning issue. This was a coach’s decision, which instantly makes everything feel more intentional.
When you bench a guy who’s been one of your most versatile defenders in four straight matchups, it doesn’t feel like a coincidence.
A Confusing Rotation Change
That’s where the trade whispers start getting loud. Loud enough that it’s fair to ask if Vanderbilt’s tenure in LA is actually in danger. It’s wild to think about because this past offseason was supposed to be his clean slate.
For the first time since becoming a Laker, he had a fully healthy summer to work on his shooting and tighten up the offensive holes teams exploit. And honestly, he fooled a few people for a second, myself included.
Media Day Vando had folks believing a corner-three breakthrough was coming. But now, deep into the season, the reality is the same. Vanderbilt is still one of the best, most switchable defenders in the league, but the offense has not followed.
It looks like Jarred Vanderbilt has fallen out of the rotation for the time being…
Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/AtjQHEtt0Z
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) November 24, 2025
Defense Elite, Offense Still a Problem
No one can take away what he brings on defense. He guards one through four, he brings chaos, he pressures the ball, and he rotates on a string. But on offense, it’s tough. The spacing shrinks.
His finishing has shown a little more control, but he still has moments where he just throws the ball at the rim like he’s hoping something magical happens.
And for a Lakers team that needs more offense, more spacing, better decision-making, and more two-way threats, it complicates everything.
Lakers Have Real Trade Ammo
With the 2031 first-round pick, Dalton Knecht, and a pile of expiring contracts becoming movable on February 6th, 2025 — Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber, and Rui Hachimura — the Lakers finally have real assets to shop. And when you line that up with Vanderbilt being pulled from the rotation by choice, not circumstance, the picture gets clearer.
The Lakers need more two-way wings, more 3-and-D balance, and more players who help both sides without killing spacing. Vanderbilt, for all his defensive value, doesn’t check that box.
Is Vanderbilt Really on the Block?
So is he officially on the trade block? The Lakers aren’t saying it out loud, but the signs feel too pointed to ignore.
A Benching That Means More
If this benching continues, it might be the first step toward the Lakers reshaping their wing rotation. It could also mean they are preparing to move on from Vando sooner than anyone expected.
