The Los Angeles Lakers' Jarred Vanderbilt has provided the team with a Christmas gift that keeps on giving as 2026 inches closer.
After receiving nine DNP-Coach's Decision's from head coach JJ Redick between Nov. 18 - Dec. 10, the 26-year-old forward has caught fire from the three-point line since his reinsertion into the lineup on Dec. 14.
Through Los Angeles' ensuing six games, Vanderbilt has authored quite the comeback story by uncharacteristically connecting on 50.0% of his 2.7 attempts from three-point range.
After locking down a spot in Redick's rotation for the present, the 6-foot-8 wing shared how a change in mindset partially led to his night-and-day difference in shot-making efficiency with ESPN's Dave McMenamin.
"Most of it is just mental," Vanderbilt said Monday.
"Just owning the shot and wanting to take the shot. Not hesitating or trying to pass it."
Primarily known for his defensive capabilities, Vanderbilt's incredible three-point shooting turnaround has added a new dimension to a Lakers offense starring elite talents such as LeBron James, Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.
For a squad sitting at No. 23 in the NBA in team three-point shooting (34.8%), all three offensive talents have welcomed this revelation with open arms.
Over his past six contests,Vanderbilt has contributed 6.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.0 steals while shooting 8-for-16 from three-point range.
As the Lakers continue their quest to compete for a title in a stacked Western Conference, their reserve forward's hot streak and evident increase in confidence could provide a semblance of hope that their shooting productivity is coming around at the right time.
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