Cam Reddish has been showing flashes of his potential in recent games, offering the Lakers newfound depth on the wing and versatility on both ends of the floor. With his recent surge in performance, the Lakers may find themselves in a position to reconsider the role of Jarred Vanderbilt and how he fits into the roster’s long-term plans. Here’s how Reddish’s play could make a trade involving Vanderbilt more feasible and what it means for the Lakers moving forward:

1. Reddish’s Performance and Versatility

Cam Reddish’s ability to contribute on offense with spot-up shooting, transition scoring, and defensive length has turned heads. His recent uptick in minutes and production has showcased his potential to be a reliable rotation piece, complementing stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Reddish’s combination of size, athleticism, and defensive activity fills a gap the Lakers have been aiming to strengthen, particularly in a lineup that emphasizes versatility and switchability.

2. Vanderbilt’s Role and Redundancy

Jarred Vanderbilt, known for his defensive intensity and rebounding prowess, has been a valuable asset for the Lakers, particularly on defense. However, his offensive limitations, especially his perimeter shooting, have sometimes constrained the Lakers’ spacing and offensive flow. With Reddish’s emergence as a viable two-way option, the team might feel more comfortable moving Vanderbilt to address other needs or acquire additional assets.

3. Potential Trade Benefits

Trading Vanderbilt could net the Lakers complementary pieces that align better with their current strengths and Redick’s coaching style. Options could include securing additional three-point shooters, a backup point guard, or assets that bolster depth in positions where the Lakers are thin. Vanderbilt’s defensive reputation and energy make him attractive to teams looking for a gritty role player, increasing the potential return for the Lakers in a trade.

4. Balancing Defense and Offense

While Vanderbilt excels on defense, Reddish’s ability to contribute more fluidly on offense without sacrificing defensive effort offers the Lakers a more balanced option. Reddish has shown glimpses of being a reliable floor-spacer, which is crucial in a lineup that features LeBron and AD, who both thrive when surrounded by shooters. Redick’s system, which values spacing and ball movement, could maximize Reddish’s strengths and reduce the dependency on purely defensive role players.

5. Injury Considerations and Depth

One key factor the Lakers will need to consider is depth and injury management. Vanderbilt’s physical playstyle has made him a key rotational piece, particularly in games where defensive stops are essential. Trading him would mean banking on Reddish staying healthy and consistent, which has been a challenge in the past. Ensuring that the roster has sufficient depth to absorb any setbacks will be critical in making a trade decision.

6. Conclusion: A Path Forward for the Lakers

With Cam Reddish stepping up and providing impactful minutes, the Lakers have more flexibility to consider a trade involving Jarred Vanderbilt. While Vanderbilt’s defensive prowess has undeniable value, Reddish’s ability to stretch the floor and contribute on both ends may align better with the team’s evolving needs and Redick’s offensive scheme. If the right trade opportunity arises—one that strengthens the Lakers’ bench or adds strategic depth—it could make moving Vanderbilt a pragmatic choice for the long-term success of the team.

In the end, whether or not the Lakers pull the trigger on a trade involving Vanderbilt will come down to how confident they are in Reddish’s consistency and how they can best leverage their roster to support a deep playoff run.