Luka Doncic's "Protector" Jarred Vanderbilt Faces Uncertain Los Angeles Lakers Future Amid Trade Plans

Jarred Vanderbilt's future with the Los Angeles Lakers is facing fresh uncertainty after the team missed out on Jonathan Kuminga. With Los Angeles still searching for an upgrade on the wing and forward spots, NBA insider Jake Fischer has suggested that Vanderbilt and Dalton Knecht could become potential trade pieces. Vanderbilt's defensive value and close relationship with Luka Doncic make the situation more complicated, but the Lakers may have to weigh that connection against their need to strengthen the roster around their superstar.

Jarred Vanderbilt's Lakers Future Gets Complicated After Jonathan Kuminga Miss

Luka Doncic may have found one of his closest teammates in Jarred Vanderbilt, but that bond may not be enough to secure his Lakers future. Los Angeles is still looking for a wing upgrade after missing out on Jonathan Kuminga, and NBA insider Jake Fischer says Vanderbilt could be part of a trade.

Fischer said on Bleacher Report's “NBA Insider Notebook” that the Lakers could look at trading both Vanderbilt and Dalton Knecht. “I do think that the Lakers are still going to be looking at potentially trading Dalton [Knecht], Jarred Vanderbilt,” Fischer said. He added that Los Angeles still wants a “trade upgrade at the wing/forward spot.”

The need is clear. The Lakers have Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves to handle much of their offense, but they still want more size and defense around them. Los Angeles also has 16 players on guaranteed deals, meaning a move may be needed before the regular season begins.

Luka Doncic And Jarred Vanderbilt's Close Lakers Connection

Vanderbilt's value in Los Angeles is not only about his numbers. He has become known for his defense, energy and willingness to take difficult assignments. The Lakers have also seen him step in during tense moments involving Doncic, adding another layer to their relationship.

One such moment came during a March game against Golden State, when Vanderbilt quickly stepped between Doncic and coach JJ Redick during a heated sideline exchange. Sports Illustrated reported that Vanderbilt helped calm the situation before it could go further.

That history is why Lakers Nation's Corey Hansford believes Vanderbilt's relationship with Doncic could matter. Hansford wrote that Vanderbilt's “beloved status as a teammate” could affect whether Los Angeles moves him. Still, the basketball side of the decision may carry more weight as the Lakers search for another forward.

Jarred Vanderbilt Contract Adds Another Layer To Lakers Trade Talks

Vanderbilt's contract also makes a possible deal harder to judge. He signed a four-year, $48 million extension with the Lakers in 2023. His 2026-27 salary is about $12.4 million, while the final season includes a player option, according to Spotrac.

That contract gives Los Angeles a useful salary piece, but it may not make Vanderbilt an easy player to move. His defense remains valuable, while his limited shooting can make his fit tougher beside a ball-dominant player such as Doncic. Availability has also affected his role in Los Angeles.

For now, there is no confirmed Vanderbilt trade. The Lakers still have time to make changes, and Fischer says the team remains incomplete. That leaves Los Angeles with a tricky choice: find the wing help it needs without losing a player who has become an important teammate for Doncic.