Lakers Trade Rumor: LeBron James and co. will not be trading $11 million point guard during possible roster overhaul | NBA News

Gabe Vincent of the Lakers (Image via Getty)

The Los Angeles Lakers have firmly decided to retain backup point guard Gabe Vincent for the remainder of the 2024-25 NBA season. This has ended weeks of speculation about his potential departure. Despite persistent trade rumors that were brought about by the Lakers’ shaky start to the campaign, Vincent remains an integral part of the Purple and Gold’s plans, according to reports from The Athletic’s Jovan Buha.
“I think the Lakers are more open to the possibility of keeping Gabe,” an insider revealed on Buha’s Block. This clarity comes at a time when there were many discussions about the Lakers’ efforts to revamp their roster.
Vincent, who is in the second year of his three-year, $33 million contract, has faced criticism for his on-court performance. The 6-foot-3 guard has appeared in 29 games this season, averaging 4.4 points and 1.3 rebounds while shooting 38% from the field and 34% from beyond the arc. These figures are marginally better than his contributions during the 2023-24 season, where he managed 3.1 points and 1.9 assists across 11 games.

Gabe Vincent when used to play for the Heat (Image via Getty)

The decision to retain Gabe Vincent highlights the Los Angeles Lakers’ belief in his potential to improve, even as trade rumors have been going around. His $11 million salary this season represents a significant commitment from the franchise. For now, Vincent seems to have secured his place in Los Angeles, at least until the end of the season.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers remain active in the trade market, with an eye on strengthening their frontcourt. Jonas Valanciunas of the Washington Wizards has been considered by the Lakers front office as a prime trading option. The Lithuanian center’s three-year, $30 million deal, which includes a fully non-guaranteed third year, has made him an ideal trade option for the 18-time NBA champions.
“Who are the most attainable big men across the next six weeks? One of the more attractive trade candidates this winter, of course, is Washington’s Jonas Valanciunas,” noted NBA insider Jake Fischer.
Portland Trail Blazers’ Robert Williams III and Utah Jazz’s Walker Kessler have also been mentioned as potential additions to the Los Angeles Lakers’ roster. However, no concrete trade proposals have been made as of yet. The Lakers appear to be weighing their options carefully. LeBron James and co. are aiming to maintain a decent balance between making a strong lineup and not sacrificing roster stability.
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The Los Angeles Lakers’ pursuit of a reliable center reveals their plans to surround LeBron James with a competitive supporting cast. As the trade deadline looms, fans and analysts alike are speculating on how the team’s decisions will impact their playoff aspirations.