Vanderbilt Hopes for Increased Role Amidst Lakers' Defensive Struggles

Jarred Vanderbilt is eager for an opportunity to help the Lakers' struggling defense, which ranks 18th in points given up. He has played only three minutes in the last 10 games, falling out of the rotation after LeBron James' return due to offensive deficiencies (4-15 from three-point range in 15 games). With Austin Reaves sidelined for approximately a week with a Grade 1 left calf strain, Vanderbilt sees a potential path back into the rotation to address the team's defensive woes.