When the Los Angeles Lakers traded Russell Westbrook in February, Jarred Vanderbilt, one of the three players they obtained for him, was thought by some to be a mere throw-in.
But he quickly established himself as a key member of their rotation. He contributed to the team in an important area it was struggling in, and fans quickly adopted him as one of their favorite players.
Vanderbilt still has room for growth, and he’s just 24 years of age, so he could still be on an upward trajectory. But he has already become the type of player Los Angeles may not want to be without.