The Los Angeles Lakers' roster has undergone plenty of changes since the 2025 NBA offseason began. After free agents Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavie were signed shortly after the market opened, the Lakers went out this weekend to sign veteran guard Marcus Smart, who was just bought out by the Washington Wizards.
Due to the Lakers' salary cap situation, someone had to be axed to make Smart's signing possible. As a result, Los Angeles waived Jordan Goodwin and Shake Milton to open roster space.
Even though Goodwin and Milton are now on the hunt for new teams, general manager Rob Pelinka might not be finished making offseason moves. In fact, another Lakers veteran could be on the chopping block after this weekend's releases.
Gabe Vincent is Next on Chopping Block After Lakers Waive Jordan Goodwin, Shake Milton
While the Lakers' early offseason moves have been encouraging, there's always room for improvement. Further upgrading the backcourt or adding another reliable swingman should be on GM Pelinka's radar, and it might take trading Gabe Vincent to achieve either of those goals.
Vincent, 29, has been a disappointment since signing a three-year, $33 million contract with the Lakers two offseasons ago. The former UC Santa Barbara product has been inconsistent at both ends of the floor since moving back to his home state, averaging only 6.0 points, 1.4 assists, 0.7 steals, and .390/.332/.696 shooting splits in 83 games (11 starts).
The underwhelming results were perfectly encapsulated in Vincent's latest postseason performance, as he averaged a forgettable 2.8 PPG while shooting 35.7% from the floor and 30.8% from deep in five outings.
The Modesto, CA native still has one year worth $11.5 million remaining on his contract, and Lakers fans are having a hard time imagining him finishing the deal in L.A. It's become increasingly evident that Vincent isn't a good fit in head coach JJ Redick's lineup, and it makes more sense to use his salary to help bring in someone who is.
With the pressure mounting to win a championship in what could be LeBron's final season in L.A., the Lakers don't have a use for inconsistent contributors like Vincent on their roster. Los Angeles fans shouldn't be surprised if the disappointing free-agent signing is shipped out of town before the 2025-26 NBA season begins.