Why Lakers Trading Jarred Vanderbilt Would Be Wrong Move Amid Jonathan Kuminga, NBA Rumors

The Los Angeles Lakers continue to mull over the possibility of adding Jonathan Kuminga this offseason but it is the decision not to trade another piece that could prove to be among the best decision the organization makes.

Jake Fischer reported on B/R that "I also don't think the Lakers are just like trying to shop Jarred Vanderbilt around the league. I haven't gotten that sense, either."

Nor should they.

Vanderbilt did not light the stat sheet on fire for the Lakers last season, but he scored 7.7 points, averaged 4.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 17.4 minutes per game.

He plays great transition ball, has proven to have defensive versatility, and is a great rebounding forward who can find the ball at the rim.

Considering that the team needs more defensive depth, hence their pursuit of Kuminga, trading him is not a move that incrementally improves the Lakers roster. If anything, it hurts it.

Even if the team were to trade Vanderbilt as part of the effort to acquire Kuminga, there is an argument to be made that the team would be worse defensively than before, especially on the perimeter.

At a time when Los Angeles is looking to improve in the wake of LeBron James' decision to pursue other avenues to continue his career, trading a player who still greatly benefits them on the floor, and has knowledge and understanding of the Lakers' system under head coach JJ Redick, would be an organizational misstep.