Does Jarred Vanderbilt's Return Make Rui Hachimura Expendable for the Lakers?

The Lakers welcomed Jarred Vanderbilt back to the lineup Saturday, and he was one of the highlights of LA's 118-108 win over Golden State. It was barely more than 12 minutes of playing time, but it was enough to: a) show a blueprint of what these Lakers look like with Vanderbilt available, and... b) give a healthy chunk of the fanbase enough evidence that Rui Hachimura—who missed the game with a sore calf—is expendable. It seems unlikely that anything anyone inside the organization saw in 12 minutes on Saturday changes how the Lakers view Rui. They knew what he was going in, they know what he is coming out. His strengths and weaknesses are well-understood, and if they Lakers were looking to upgrade from the minutes Hachimura gets before, they're still planning to do it. The grist he provides for the rumor mill is also a function of math. With D'Angelo Russell out the door, Hachimura has the highest salary among non-star players on the team. He's the next logical candidate (financially, at least) to go. Fans like having a guy to blame things on, and for many, Hachimura is that guy. But are fans being too cavalier about trading him? How reliable is Vando from this point through to the end of the year? And what does all of this have to do with LA's reported pursuit of another center? It's an uncomfortable spot to be in, but it's where Rui will stay until the trade deadline brings some resolution. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: More reaction to Vando's return. SEGMENT 2: Does Rui become expendable now? SEGMENT 3: Remembering Kobe, 5 years after his passing. Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your in box. Sign up for free now, at lockedondaily.com . Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Turbo Tax Ready for stress-free taxes and the most money back, guaranteed? Head over to TurboTax.com today and get matched with your Expert. Only available with TurboTax Live Full Service. Real-time updates only in the iOS mobile app. See guarantee details at TurboTax.com/guarantees . Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Super Bowl 59 is here, And there’s no better way to make every play more exciting than with FanDuel Sportsbook. New customers can bet just FIVE DOLLARS, and if you win, you’ll score TWO HUNDRED BUCKS in Bonus Bets. Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of Super Bowl Fifty-Nine. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER : 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.