The NBA offseason is about to heat up now that the 2024-25 Finals are almost over. The Los Angeles Lakers have a busy next few months ahead of them after a brief postseason appearance, and the action will begin when they tackle the 2025 NBA Draft next week.
Whether it's in the lead-up to the draft or after free agency begins, trades are a big part of the NBA offseason, as well as the Lakers' likeliest path to adding new names given their salary cap restrictions. General manager Rob Pelinka will be turning over every rock possible to find ways to upgrade his roster, which will lead to some familiar faces being booted from L.A.
With that in mind, one underperforming Lakers guard would be lucky to not be a trade casualty before July begins.
Lakers PG Gabe Vincent Will Be Lucky to Not Get Traded Before July
When it comes to names potentially on the Lakers' trade block this summer, look no further than veteran point guard Gabe Vincent. The former UC Santa Barbara product has failed to meet expectations since inking a three-year, $33 million contract with L.A., and his struggles could result in a trade if Pelinka wants to upgrade the backcourt.
Although he wasn't nearly as bad as he was during Year 1 of his contract, Vincent's play left much to be desired in 2024-25 as well. Playing around 21 minutes per night across his 72 appearances (11 starts), the 29-year-old guard averaged 6.4 points, 1.4 assists, and 1.3 rebounds while shooting 40.0% from the floor and 35.3% from deep.
Unfortunately, Vincent continued failing to prove his worth with a forgettable playoff performance. The Modesto, CA native only mustered 2.8 points per game with a 35.7 FG% and 30.8 3P% in five games (19.8 minutes per), giving the Lakers yet another excuse to cut ties this offseason.
Vincent might not have a ton of value at the moment; however, his salary cap hit ($11.5 million) is high enough to be used to help match salaries in a bigger trade. Besides, a potential suitor might be willing to stomach a season of Vincent if it helps them get out of a lengthier contract.
At the end of the day, it's clear Vincent doesn't have much of a future in Los Angeles. While he's had his moments at both ends of the floor, they're too few and far between, and his presence doesn't do much to help raise the Lakers' ceiling.
The Lakers should take any opportunity to get out of Vincent's contract if the return is right, meaning he should count himself lucky if he's still on L.A.'s roster when NBA free agency begins.