Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Robert Marvi

Jarred Vanderbilt agrees to four-year contract extension with Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers were rumored to once again be interested in chasing a third star such as Chris Paul or Kyrie Irving this summer. Instead, they opted for continuity and depth.

In early July, they agreed to new contracts with D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, three of their most important pieces around LeBron James and Anthony Davis. They made additions around the margins: 3-and-D wing Taurean Prince, guard Gabe Vincent, center Jaxson Hayes and, most recently, big man Christian Wood.

Buy Lakers Tickets

On Friday, Los Angeles reportedly made another move in the name of continuity by agreeing with forward Jarred Vanderbilt on a four-year, $48 million extension. The fourth year of the deal is a player option.

Vanderbilt arrived along with Russell in February’s Russell Westbrook trade. He quickly became an important cog in the Lakers machine with his effective and versatile defense. He covered not just opposing wings, but also guards such as Luka Doncic and even Ja Morant.

The 6-foot-8 man still needs to improve his outside shooting and his ability to catch passes and finish in the paint. But he has become an integral part of L.A.’s championship hopes.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.