The Los Angeles Lakers will trade Gabe Vincent and his $11.5 million expiring contract next, as his playing time all but dried up after signing Marcus Smart. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves will both play 35 minutes per game as the starting backcourt. That leaves just 26 minutes remaining for Vincent and Smart. The Lakers desperately need Smart’s defense, which will give him the run.
Vincent has seen his playing time and production dip since arriving in LA. The Lakers would have no qualms about moving on and could use his $11.5 million expiring contract to acquire an upgrade. Signing Smart using the bi-annual exception puts the franchise in a difficult spot, but trading Vincent could give them needed wiggle room and another piece to add to their rotation.
The Lakers are Luka Doncic’s team now. The superstar helped recruit Deandre Ayton and Smart to Los Angeles. They are building around him, which means shooting and defense are priorities. Vincent doesn’t fit that mold, and it is time the Lakers move on.
Gabe Vincent will be traded after the Lakers signed Marcus Smart
The Lakers are hard-capped at the first apron and must make moves to get Smart on their roster. Without a trade, LA will have to cut Shake Milton and Jordan Goodwin to free up the needed salary space. That will leave them only a small bit of wiggle room to make other moves. Trading Vincent’s $11.5 million is the key to opening things up.
The Lakers have a first-round draft pick and multiple swaps to sweeten a deal. They could add in the expiring contracts of Rui Hachimura or Maxi Kleber to go hunting for a difference-maker. A Kleber and Vincent trade could acquire names like Dillon Brooks or Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to solve their 3-and-D issues. Malik Monk and Grayson Allen are available wing shooters who could fit as well.
Rob Pelinka must find the right move. The Lakers have been searching all season for a difference-making trade. They are set in the backcourt with Luka, Reaves, and Smart. It means relying heavily on the newly acquired 31-year-old, which could turn problematic. He’s struggled to stay healthy in recent years and may be on the decline. It is a gamble, but one the Lakers are clearly comfortable with.
The Los Angeles Lakers should trade Gabe Vincent and another expiring contract for a 3-and-D wing. Someone capable of hitting open looks, defending the opposition’s lead ball handler, and playing off the ball. Those are not easy to find, but the franchise has a glaring hole, even after adding Marcus Smart to their roster.
Expect Pelinka and the front office to be working the phones. Fans have heard the Andrew Wiggins rumors this offseason. The Lakers need to make a trade to become serious title contenders. Smart helps their efforts, but they are still a piece or two away. It is time to go all-in and try to win it all in 2026. Stay tuned to see what the Lakers can actually pull off.