Jarred Vanderbilt of the Lakers was dismissed for pushing Dillon Brooks of the Rockets

Dillon Brooks showcased his typical style on Monday night, toeing the line of a flagrant foul, displaying disrespect, and effectively provoking the Lakers’ Jarred Vanderbilt. This strategy paid off as Vanderbilt was ejected early in the second quarter of the Lakers’ game in Houston.

The incident that fueled Vanderbilt’s reaction occurred when Brooks, during a dunk attempt, pushed him in the air, causing Vanderbilt to land awkwardly. Despite the potentially dangerous nature of such a play involving a player in mid-air, the officials reviewed it and deemed it a common foul, not classifying it as a flagrant (although I personally believe any foul in such a scenario should be considered flagrant).

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A minute later, during a battle for rebounding position, Vanderbilt and Brooks were engaged in physical play. Brooks initiated contact, seemingly pushing Vanderbilt in the back of his head, prompting Vanderbilt to retaliate with a shove that resulted in a foul being called (as it often is with the one who retaliates). The initial shove led to the first technical, and when Vanderbilt attempted to touch Brooks in the back of the head, he received the second technical and was ejected from the game.

This is Dillon Brooks’ typical style of play.

However, Vanderbilt’s significance to the team makes it unwise for him to risk an ejection in situations like these. Despite the desire of Laker Nation for him to be a starter, Darvin Ham faces a dilemma. Four Lakers starters—LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, and D’Angelo Russell—are seemingly set, and while Vanderbilt could offer solid defense as the fifth starter, his offensive limitations become a drawback. Opponents tend to help off him, reducing the space for LeBron and others to operate. Hence, Ham opts to start Taurean Prince, shooting 38.9% from 3 this season, to enhance floor spacing and open up the offense. While the Lakers would welcome a player who excels in both aspects, the challenge lies in finding such a player, considering the high demand for versatile 3&D wings across the league.

Despite often being on the court in closing moments, Vanderbilt won’t be part of the closing lineup in this particular game.