Earlier this month, Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt secured a big bag when he agreed to a four-year, $48 million contract extension that will allow him to remain in the Purple and Gold for some time.
The extension will kick in during the 2024-25 season, and it includes a player option in its final season, which will be the 2027-28 campaign. It was the latest in a series of new contracts given out by the team this summer to players such as Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, D’Angelo Russell and Anthony Davis.
But if Vanderbilt had waited to become a free agent next summer, he could’ve secured an even bigger bag. That’s the message former Lakers guard Patrick Beverley said he got across to Vanderbilt just hours before the latter agreed to his extension while on his podcast (h/t Sports Illustrated).
“Thursday at 8:18 a.m.,” said Beverley. “Don’t sign an extension, trust me. Hoop, stay in shape and I repeat, do not sign an extension.”
According to the veteran guard, Vanderbilt could’ve gotten $65 million over four years had he waited to sign a new contract.
But as it stands, his extension could be a very team-friendly one, especially if he improves his 3-point shooting to the point where it at least would not be a liability anymore.