The Lakers have been on a roll recently, but will now have to keep it up without a prominent power forward. Jarred Vanderbilt will miss the next three weeks with a catastrophic right foot injury—one that, according to Adrian Wojnarowski, might finish the season.
The news comes at a rough time for both Vando and the Lakers. Over his last six games, the 24-year-old averaged 11.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.7 steals per contest, including a season-high 17 points against the Bulls on Jan. 25. He just recorded 10 points, seven rebounds, two assists and three steals as the Lakers stunned the league-best Boston Celtics on Thursday. The team currently ranks 15th in defensive rating, with Vanderbilt playing a major role on that end of the floor. With him now out of the lineup—and the Lakers’ wing depth already wearing thin—which players need to man up in his absence?
Rui Hachimura has had a polarizing season through no fault of his own. Fluctuating roles and rotations are why the 24-year-old has averaged 23 minutes per game across 37 contests (8 starts). In that time, he put up 11.4 points per game (.494/.391/.754 splits), 3.6 rebounds and 1.1 assists. Those numbers may seem fine—until you remember he’s fourth on the team’s payroll and coming off the bench. Though he hasn’t necessarily delivered a breakout season, Hachimura is doing what he can with the minutes he’s earned. Vanderbilt’s absence, however, will likely present more opportunities for Rui to start and close games—unless Ham decides to give those opportunities to Taurean Prince. He’s displayed a knack for scoring at all three levels and, more importantly, getting key stops on defense.
Hachimura gives the Lakers two-way versatility up front, which is needed when Anthony Davis and LeBron James aren’t on the floor. Though he’s fulfilled his role off the bench, he’s also made a case to be the full-time starting four. These next few games could help his cause. The Lakers will need all of the frontcourt help they can get. Hachimura can ensure that with his production on both ends of the floor.
