4 Los Angeles Lakers who could be traded during the 2024-25 season

Gabe Vincent

If it's not Rui Hachimura facing the most pressure to step up this season, then it has to be Gabe Vincent. The Los Angeles Lakers made Vincent their marquee signing during the 2023 NBA offseason, inking him to a three-year, $33 million deal.

Unfortunately, Vincent appeared in just 11 regular season games in 2023-24 and was inevitably unable to rediscover his top form before the playoffs rolled around.

Vincent has two seasons and $22.5 million remaining on his current contract, making him one of the most attractive trade pieces on the roster. Assuming he can stay healthy, teams are likely to be interested in a proven postseason performer with established defensive prowess.

The hope in Los Angeles is that it won't come to that, however, as Vincent's mere presence on a nightly basis should help the team take a significant step forward.

Vincent rose to prominence with the Miami Heat, famously producing four 20-point games during the team's run to the 2023 NBA Finals. In addition to being a big-game player, he's a rugged defender who utilizes his strong 200-pound frame and 6'7" wingspan to stifle perimeter scorers.

If Vincent is underperforming, however, the Lakers could include his cost-efficient contract in a potential trade for an upgrade during the 2024-25 season.

It's a cruel business, but as is the price of maximizing the remaining opportunities to win with LeBron James.