The Los Angeles Lakers should look to trade Gabe Vincent as conversations are just starting to heat up. 90 percent of the NBA is now trade eligible, and there will be plenty of moves before the Feb. 5 deadline. The Lakers need perimeter defense and athleticism to improve their championship odds. Vincent’s expiring contract is the perfect trade chip after his time in LA hasn’t gone to plan.
Vincent has the worst value over replacement level (VORP) on the Lakers this season at negative-0.2. He is making $11.5 million, but has struggled to make shots and has never been a lockdown defender. Los Angeles signed him after an impressive playoff run with the Heat, where he helped Miami reach the 2023 NBA Finals. Sadly, the Lakers never got that player.
The front office has work to do if they want the franchise to make a deep playoff run. The Lakers would love to pull off another heist, but it won’t be easy. Los Angeles is light on trade assets. Regardless, they must trade Vincent for an upgrade before the deadline.
It’s finally time for the Lakers to trade Gabe Vincent
Vincent averaged 4.7 points, 1.4 assists, and 0.5 steals in 21.5 minutes per game through his first 14 contests this season. He missed 11 games with an ankle sprain and is shooting just 35 percent from the field. His counting stats are only slightly better during his three years in Los Angeles, but his advanced metrics tell the tale.
Vincent has produced a negative VORP every year. The Lakers are chasing a championship. They have three stars, and two of them are in their primes. They can’t afford to have their backup guard producing negative value.
NBA trade season unofficially opens on Dec. 15 as most of the players signed in the offseason become eligible to be moved. Making deals is difficult in the second apron era. It gets even more complicated with some players ineligible to be moved. Talks will heat up quickly, and the Lakers should be exploring every avenue to upgrade their roster.
The Lakers have just one first-round draft pick, a couple of first-round swaps, and one second-rounder available to trade. Making a game-changing trade won’t be easy. The front office should be looking for the ideal trade to upgrade their roster and maximize the title odds.
That likely means finding a rebuilding team willing to give up a 3-and-D wing. Vincent’s expiring contract will be attractive to any franchise that isn’t looking to compete. It is all about finding the right move for Rob Pelinka and company.
The Los Angeles Lakers should be looking to trade Gabe Vincent before the Feb. 5 deadline. His struggles have spanned three years, and the veteran guard has not been the player the franchise thought they signed. It is time for the Lakers to cut their losses and move on. The sooner the better.