(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers just took a big step for their future.
Following some impressive performances last season, they secured Jarred Vanderbilt for years to come, signing him to a very lucrative four-year contract extension with a player option for the final year.
That’s why former NBA point guard Isaiah Thomas took to Twitter to congratulate him, calling him “rook” despite him already having some experience in the league.
So happy for my ROOK!!! Keep going killa https://t.co/gyLHI8dMCd
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) September 15, 2023
That’s because Vanderbilt entered the league in 2018 when Thomas was a part of the Denver Nuggets’ roster, so he’s going to continue being a rook, at least in his eyes.
Vanderbilt earned every single penny that was coming his way on that new contract.
He played elite defense and guarded one through five, not to mention the fact that he gave them another floor-spacer with his three-point shooting skills.
Landing Vanderbilt was one of the best parts of the mid-season trades GM Rob Pelinka was able to make, and there was never a doubt that they wanted to keep him there for the long run.
The Lakers need to brace themselves for the post-LeBron James era, which is why they’re making sure to keep their young guys together.
Of course, there’s no such thing as replacing LeBron James, but having a solid roster could help them lure another star to Southern California once The King is no longer on the premises.
Vanderbilt could be poised for an expanded role next season, especially if James sits out every now and then with load management.
The post Isaiah Thomas Reacts To Today’s Lakers News appeared first on The Cold Wire.