Looking at the Los Angeles Lakers' 2025-26 payroll, it becomes incredibly clear what an uphill battle the team is facing to improve this offseason. Unless LeBron James is willing to take a discount, unlike the veteran ever has in his career, the Lakers are going to need to move some existing pieces to give the team its best chance to make needed improvements. The Lakers' playoff series against the Wolves exposed a lack of size and bench depth, making it easy to see exactly which direction the team must go this offseason.
This likely means you're going to have to move 2-3 pieces on the team's current roster. Near the top of the list of possibilities is Gabe Vincent. The guard was signed after having an unexpected impact on the Miami Heat. While Vincent has had moments in a Lakers uniform, if the team is given a chance to move on, they undoubtedly will pull the trigger. Vincent has simply been too inconsistent not to attempt to make a move.
Lakers Must Explore All Options, Including Moving on from Gabe Vincent
Vincent had an extremely frustrating initial tenure with the Lakers before showing flashes at the end of this season. The shooter would have quarters where he simply couldn't miss. However, when this level of performance cannot be found consistently, you can't justify keeping the undersized defender. Already, you're asking your defense to help cover Luka and Austin Reaves. While Reaves shows incredible effort, the guard is far from an elite defender.
Add in the fact that Vincent is owed $11.5 million next season, and the team's need to move on is clear. If a trade presents itself that either opens the salary space or brings in additional size, the Lakers will pull the trigger.
Los Angeles is set to lose both Alex Len and Jaxson Hayes in free agency this offseason. It wouldn't be surprising to see both centers fail to return, considering the lack of production when games mattered most. This offseason is all about finding rebounding, lob threats, and rim protection. Gabe Vincent obviously doesn't fit any of this and is going to be a player the team is actively looking to move throughout the offseason.