The person who allows the Lakers to play with peace of mind: Only by understanding Vanderbilt can you understand the Lakers defensive upgrades

In the two preseason games that have been conducted, Jared Vanderbilt has become the best player of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Vanderbilt, who had a healthy offseason for the first time in many years, was finally able to systematically polish his skills and adjust his physical condition. The results so far have far exceeded expectations - his movement on the court appears light and agile. This ability to change the offensive and defensive situation without relying on scoring makes teammates such as Gabe Vincent feel more at ease when playing alongside him.

Vanderbilt will take on more perimeter defense tasks in the new season, which is in sharp contrast to last season when it frequently defended the interior. Due to a lack of forward depth last year, the Lakers often placed him at center, a situation that will be significantly reduced this season. After a recent practice, he talked about the experience of guarding players in different positions.

"In fact, the difference is not that big, " Vanderbilt said when comparing the difference between the two. "The weight fluctuation range is about 5-10 pounds (2.3-4.5 kg). This summer I learned that I would be more responsible for perimeter defense, so I deliberately lost weight. Although I do not rule out the occasional guest appearance at the fourth or fifth position. position, but the main task will be on the outside. This does require a different physical condition - to be able to chase the defender all over the court, rather than fighting with the big man inside. "

Although there are significant differences between guards and interior players, Vanderbilt admitted that guarding both positions is not easy. "The difficulty is the same, but the form is different. With a height of less than 2.1 meters, blocking a seven-footer, this kind of confrontation also consumes a lot of money. To be honest, I think this is the same as the load of chasing Stephen Curry, but the form is different: defending the inside requires more physical confrontation, while defending the outside is more like a track and field race and requires flexible movement of the feet. To me, the consumption of these two defenses is basically the same. "

As for re-playing the role of a vanguard of perimeter defense, Vanderbilt Confidence: "I feel very good, and I am very comfortable with ball defense. Whether it is to implement full-court press, or to disrupt tactical execution in advance, to create chaos through frontal pressure to set the defensive tone, which can inject energy into the whole team. Marcus and I are both good at leading the team from the defensive end. I believe we can perfectly assume this responsibility and lead the team's defense. "

As a rare elite defender in the lineup, Vanderbilt will be entrusted with the important task of locking down opposing players in the new season. Judging from his physical condition, he is ready and we expect him to stay healthy throughout the 2025-26 season.

Jared Vanderbilt looks forward to playing alongside Marcus Smart

Marcus Smart, introduced this summer, injects critical defensive diversity and competitive spirit into the Lakers lineup. It is Smart's excellent defensive intelligence that makes Vanderbilt look forward to the upcoming cooperation.