The Los Angeles Lakers have shown significant improvement this season under first-time head coach JJ Redick. Anthony Davis is performing at an MVP level, LeBron James continues to defy Father Time, and the team looks poised to secure a playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference.
However, despite their progress, the Lakers are still far from being legitimate championship contenders. In a stacked conference, bolstering the roster remains crucial for a serious run at the NBA Finals.
This urgency has fueled speculation and hope among fans for impactful moves ahead of the trade deadline. According to NBA insider Jovan Buha of *The Athletic*, General Manager Rob Pelinka may have his sights set on reshaping the roster in the coming months.
NBA Insider Highlights Likely Trade Candidates
Buha recently pointed to guard Gabe Vincent as the most probable trade asset for the Lakers this season, with D’Angelo Russell also emerging as a potential piece in trade discussions. Vincent is under contract for $11 million in the 2024-25 season, while Russell earns $18.6 million. Packaging their salaries with draft picks could enable the Lakers to acquire a starter-level player. Possible targets include seasoned forwards like Jerami Grant, Cam Johnson, or Kyle Kuzma.
Vincent’s struggles make him a logical candidate for a move. Signed during the 2023 offseason after a strong tenure with the Miami Heat, Vincent has battled injuries and poor performance since joining the Lakers. Though healthy this season, his shooting woes persist, with a field goal percentage of just 28.8% and a dismal 18.8% from three-point range.
A Need for Reliable Role Players
Given Vincent’s offensive inconsistency, it’s understandable that the Lakers might prioritize adding a dependable veteran who complements their star trio of Davis, James, and Austin Reaves. With those players anchoring the offensive load, the Lakers could benefit from acquiring versatile three-and-D contributors to enhance their title aspirations.
As the trade deadline approaches, fans will watch closely to see if the Lakers make the moves necessary to elevate their championship hopes.
