The Los Angeles Lakers have seemingly learned from a 2024 offseason that produced no roster additions outside of post-lottery picks at the NBA Draft. Los Angeles has been active, signing new players and trading up at the 2025 annual selection process to further solidify its future.
One of the primary reasons for optimism is how the Lakers' offseason activity has created a desperately needed sense of roster flexibility.
One of the primary issues Los Angeles encountered in 2024-25 was the inability to adequately overcome injuries or lackluster performances from its returning players. That inevitably resulted in the Lakers ranking No. 29 in points via bench players per game.
Of equal importance is the fact that the lack of fresh faces limited the Lakers' options on the trade front, as rival executives had already made their minds up about the existing rotational pieces.
By signing Marcus Smart, however, Los Angeles has positioned itself to maximize the value that can be found on the open market. Expendability is suddenly a tool at the front office's disposal, as positional battles suddenly exist again and trade opportunities can thus be pursued without the fear of losing what little depth exists.
Moreover, if Smart steps up and delivers in the role he's given, the Lakers will have the flexibility to explore possible trades surrounding their most attractive contract: Gabe Vincent's expiring deal.
Marcus Smart signing gifts Lakers' rare feeling of roster flexibility
Vincent has become one of the most under-appreciated players on the Lakers' roster. He was the team's best defensive guard in 2024-25, as well as a source of efficient off-ball contributions, knocking down catch-and-shoot threes at a clip of 39.4 percent after Dec. 1.
The elephant in the room, however, is that Vincent, 29, played just 11 games during his first season with the Lakers and now has an expiring $11.5 million contract.
In a perfect world, the Lakers would have other contracts to trade and the luxury of exploring how close Vincent can come to rediscovering his 2023 form. It was in 2022-23, after all, that he earned a three-year, $33 million contract with the Lakers by thriving under the bright postseason lights.
Vincent posted at least 20 points in five postseason games, all the while continuing to play at a high level on defense, as the Miami Heat reached the 2023 NBA Finals.
The Lakers are unfortunately short on tradable contracts, however, and the few others they possess belong to younger players the franchise may be intent on re-signing. That could make Vincent the odd man out in 2025-26.
The difference between 2025-26 and 2024-25, however, is that the Lakers actually have leverage in a potential Vincent trade—and could thus turn it into meaningful long-term assets.
The Lakers could potentially flip VIncent's expiring deal for draft compensation or a player in a similar price range who fits better in Los Angeles than in their current situation. Either outcome would be ideal, especially after Los Angeles eradicated its collection of future second-round draft picks.
Not every move will lead to a championship, but the Lakers' decision to prioritize depth during the 2025 offseason has created a degree of front office flexibility that was missing in 2024-25.