Lakers linked with pending NBA Finals free agent as backcourt overhaul looms

The Los Angeles Lakers have plenty to feel good about as they enter the offseason. While they would’ve loved their chances in the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat, this roster doesn’t need a significant overhaul in order for LeBron James and company to reach the mountaintop again.

Essentially, the overhaul was done at the trade deadline, when the Lakers added Rui Hachimura Jared Vanderbilt and D’Angelo Russell and jettisoned Russell Westbrook, Kendrick Nunn, Thomas Bryant and Patrick Beverly.

While Hachimura and Vanderbilt endeared themselves to Lakers Nation with clutch shot-making (in Hachimura’s case) and elite perimeter and rim defense (in Vanderbilt’s case), momentum is building toward Russell leaving this summer as a free agent.

Russell’s eventual departure should signify a necessary backcourt overhaul for the Lakers, who don’t currently have any guards from the playoff rotation under contract for next season.

A pursuit of Kyrie Irving could come into focus, but LA must ensure it has serviceable options behind its heavy-hitters.

With that in mind, Lakers fans will love hearing that the team is linked with Heat unsung playoff hero Gabe Vincent.

Lakers to target Heat breakout star Gabe Vincent in free agency

Here’s what a rival GM told Sean Deveny of Heavy.com about the Lakers eyeing up a summer move for Vincent.

"“Gabe Vincent from Miami, he is a free agent and could be had at a decent number. It is hard to figure where he ranks as a shooter, and the Heat might go out of their way to keep him, but he’s the kind of fit they need there in L.A.”"

Vincent admittedly is a streaky shooter, but he does a little bit of everything for the Finals-bound Heat. He fits perfectly into “Heat Culture” as a player who can shoot, defend on the perimeter at a high level and create for teammates.

A former undrafted free agent out of UC Santa Barbara, Vincent has been at the epicenter of Miami’s unexpected run to the Finals. In 17 playoff games, he’s averaging 13.1 points, 3.9 assists and just 1.6 turnovers while shooting 40.9% from the floor, 38.2% on threes and 89.9 from the foul line.

In the Celtics series alone, he posted 15.8 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists on 48.5% shooting, including 51.6% on threes and 93.8% on free throws.

Outside of Austin Reaves, it was impossible to predict what the Lakers would get on a nightly basis from their guard rotation. Dennis Schroder is a pesky defender, but didn’t offer nearly enough on offense, especially as a shooter, and committed unforced and ill-timed turnovers.

Vincent isn’t a marksman by any stretch, but he shot nearly 37% from three last season and brings much more to the table as a playmaker and being able to collapse a defense by driving to the basket.

Whether it be as a sixth man or starting two alongside LeBron, Davis, Reaves and potentially Kyrie Irving, Vincent is exactly the profile the Lakers need in their backcourt. Get ready for a wild offseason, Lakers fans.

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