The Los Angeles Lakers have been looking eagerly to keeping the basic core together as long as possible. That’s what has been their basic aim from the start of the current offseason. At first, the Lakers extended the contracts of three players who really rose to the occasion to help the side reach the Western Conference Finals. They did not waste any time extending the contracts of Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, and D’Angelo Russell. The front office extended the contract of the Gonzaga product for three years worth $51 million.
Later, the LA side ensured the Oklahoma Sooners kid stayed longer with a contract worth $56 million for four years. But the deal with D’Angelo Russell is tricky because initially, the Lakers seemed like they were planning to trade him. However, they changed their minds to give him a two-year extension worth $37 million. Moreover, Jarred Vanderbilt has been an essential part of that new LA side since last February. Hence, the Lakers did not trade Vanderbilt this offseason. Instead, they extended his contract for another four years, like Austin Reaves.
Rob Pelinka And Co. Extends Jarred Vanderbilt’s Contract To Another Four Years
The four-year contract extension of Vanderbilt is worth $48 million. According to sources, Jarred Vanderbilt will have a player option in his fourth year. Moreover, the Lakers locked the forward with a defensive mind right before the training camp was going to start two weeks later. Vanderbilt came to the Lakers from the Utah Jazz last season. The 24 year old forward averaged 7.2 ppg, 6.7 RPG, and 1.2 steals as a Laker in 26 games last season. Generally, Darvin Ham would give Vanderbilt the job of guarding the most lethal threat of the opposition’s offense. Moreover, Jarred Vanderbilt weighs 214 pounds and is 6’8 tall.
He is only the fifth member of the Los Angeles Lakers roster from the previous season to receive a multi-year extension. Prior to Jarred Vanderbilt, the Lakers extended Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, and Anthony Davis. Moreover, the Lakers look pretty good in the offseason. They have a good chance of winning the next season if every player stays healthy and is able to give their best. Moreover, the Lakers will pin their hopes on LeBron James and Anthony Davis. These top stars failed to play more than 60 games in the last few seasons.
With Extending Contracts, The Lakers Successfully Executed Their Plan To Keep The Core Together
Moreover, the Lakers extended the contract of their star player, Anthony Davis, to another three years worth $186 million. Later, they bought players like Taurean Prince, Cam Reddish, and Gabe Vincent. After all the signings and tradings, at present, the LA side looks pretty deep and balanced.
Last season, the players who joined the team around the February trade deadline, like D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Rui Hachimura, joined in late January, turned the season upside down for the LA side. Initially, they were no way near making the postseason, but after the February trades, the Lakers looked balanced and worthy to be the champions. They reached as far as the WCF. It was a miraculous turnaround.
