10 Players Lakers may replace Gabe Vincent with by the trade deadline
By Tyler Watts
The Los Angeles Lakers are off to a disappointing start to the 2023-24 season. They are relying too heavily on LeBron James, but the team has been awful without him on the floor. Injuries have played a factor in them overusing role players and making their defense non-existent. The Lakers need to get healthy, but fans should not be surprised to see them make moves before the deadline.
D’Angelo Russell will be on the trade block, and summer signing Gabe Vincent could join him. The 27-year-old is dealing with a knee injury and has struggled when on the floor. He earned a three-year $33 million deal this summer by helping the Heat reach the NBA Final. In his first four games with the Lakers, he shot 39.3 percent from the field and made one of his 14 3-point tries.
Who could Los Angeles target if they decide to move on from Vincent? The Lakers need shooting and defense but could gamble on a third star. Here are ten options Rob Pelinka and the front office should explore.
10. Buddy Hield
The Lakers almost acquired Buddy Hield (subscription required) in the 2021 offseason before landing Russell Westbrook. Ever since there have been rumors about the sharpshooter coming to LA. Hield is in the final year of his contract and could be on the trade block before the deadline.
The Lakers are in the bottom five in 3-pointers made, attempted, and percentage. Hield ranks in the top 20 in threes made per game and is a career 40.2 percent from long range. He won’t help the Lakers’ defense, but his ability to flat-out shoot would be impactful.
Gabe Vincent got hot during the playoffs but is a career 33.5 percent 3-point shooter, who averages 4.0 assists per 36-minutes. Hield offers significantly more floor space and sits 3.1 dimes per-36.
Vincent is a better defender, but the Los Angeles Lakers may opt for the floor spacing and offensive firepower. They would have to trade someone with Gabe Vincent, which could easily be done.