The Los Angeles Lakers brought Jarred Vanderbilt back into the rotation with Austin Reaves out, and the 6’8 forward brought the defense, energy, and athleticism the franchise has lacked. LA went to Phoenix and defeated the Suns 116-114. It was a dominant defensive performance until the Lakers took their foot off the gas late. It was just one game after the issues on D piled up in their loss to the Spurs.
Credit goes to Vando for this win. He struggles on offense, but provides what LA desperately needs. They lack perimeter defense and athleticism. The Suns took advantage of those flaws to dominate the Lakers on Dec.