The Los Angeles Lakers are positioning themselves for significant roster changes as the NBA trade deadline approaches, with multiple reports indicating the franchise is exploring ways to convert underperforming assets into more reliable contributors. According to league sources, the organization is actively seeking to package forward Jarred Vanderbilt and guard Gabe Vincent in exchange for a defensive-oriented wing player who can provide consistent minutes.
The motivation behind this potential move stems from the disappointing durability records of both players since joining the Lakers. Vanderbilt, who is currently in his fourth season with the franchise (though only his third full campaign), has managed to suit up for just 120 regular-season contests. This limited availability has prevented the defensive specialist from establishing the rhythm and chemistry necessary to maximize his impact on the court.
Similarly, Vincent's tenure in Los Angeles has been defined more by time in the training room than on the hardwood. Now in his third season with the team, the guard has accumulated only 101 total regular-season appearances. After signing a three-year, $33 million contract following his impressive playoff run with the Miami Heat, Vincent has failed to deliver the perimeter defense and three-point shooting the Lakers envisioned.
NBA insider Kevin O'Connor recently shed light on the Lakers' strategic thinking during his latest show. "Well, here's what I'm hearing about the Lakers," O'Connor stated. "The word on the street is that they're looking to package Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent together for a wing." This approach would enable the front office to consolidate two problematic contracts into a single asset that could immediately contribute to the team's championship aspirations.
Beyond this specific package, O'Connor revealed another layer to the Lakers' trade strategy involving their 2032 first-round draft pick. The organization is reportedly attempting to exchange this distant future selection for multiple first-round picks, emulating a maneuver recently executed by the Phoenix Suns. In that deal, the Suns sent their 2031 first-rounder to the Utah Jazz in return for three less valuable picks scheduled for 2025, 2027, and 2029.
This creative asset management would provide the Lakers with increased flexibility and more tradeable pieces. By transforming one distant pick into two or three nearer-term selections, the front office could construct more appealing offers without completely depleting their future war chest. These additional picks could be paired with players like Vanderbilt, Vincent, or others such as Maxi Kleber to match salaries and sweeten proposals for impact wings.
The list of potential targets mentioned by O'Connor includes several intriguing options, each presenting unique acquisition challenges. Herb Jones of the New Orleans Pelicans stands out as a premier defensive wing who would instantly elevate the Lakers' perimeter defense. However, his relatively team-friendly contract and elite two-way impact mean the Pelicans would demand a substantial return package.
Trey Murphy, Jones' teammate in New Orleans, represents another attractive option with his combination of size, shooting, and defensive versatility. Like Jones, Murphy would command premium compensation, and the Pelicans have reportedly set high asking prices for their core contributors. This reality may place both players out of the Lakers' reach unless they're willing to part with significant future capital.
Perhaps the most realistic and discussed target is Jonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors. The athletic forward has found himself in an increasingly untenable situation with the Warriors, leading to a formal trade demand that ESPN's Shams Charania reported on Thursday morning. Multiple sources have since confirmed the Lakers' interest in acquiring the young talent.
Kuminga's circumstances make him a particularly logical target for Los Angeles. The 23-year-old has spent recent weeks largely glued to the bench for a Warriors team struggling to find its identity, creating a clear disconnect between player and organization. His athletic profile, defensive potential, and offensive development align perfectly with the Lakers' needs, especially when considering their timeline beyond the LeBron James era.
The financial mechanics of a potential Kuminga trade could work in the Lakers' favor. His salary would likely require the combination of Vanderbilt's $4.8 million contract and Vincent's $11 million deal, or potentially just Vincent's contract with additional filler. The Lakers could then attach one of the extra first-round picks they hope to acquire through the 2032 pick swap, creating a compelling offer without gutting their asset base.
There's also speculation about a potential three-team trade scenario. In this arrangement, Kuminga would head to the Lakers in exchange for the Vanderbilt-Vincent package and a pick. The Warriors would then flip that acquired pick, plus potentially other assets, to pursue their own targets such as Michael Porter Jr. from the Denver Nuggets or Trey Murphy from the Pelicans. This type of complex transaction would satisfy multiple parties and allow each team to address specific needs.
The Lakers' interest in Kuminga extends beyond his on-court abilities. At 23 years old, he represents a rare opportunity to acquire a young, high-upside player who could grow into a cornerstone piece as the franchise transitions into its next chapter. With LeBron James approaching his 40th birthday, the organization must balance immediate competitiveness with long-term sustainability. Kuminga potentially addresses both concerns.
Comparatively, the Pelicans' duo of Jones and Murphy would likely require the Lakers to surrender significantly more assets. New Orleans' high asking price for Jones suggests they view him as a foundational piece, and Murphy's combination of size and skill makes him similarly valuable. While either player would be an excellent fit in Los Angeles, the cost might prove prohibitive.
The dual strategy of packaging injured players and shopping distant draft picks demonstrates a front office under pressure to maximize limited resources. The Lakers' championship window with their current core remains open but is clearly narrowing. Anthony Davis continues to play at an elite level, but he needs reliable support to compete with the Western Conference's top teams.
Vanderbilt's theoretical value lies in his defensive versatility and ability to guard multiple positions. When healthy, he provides energy, rebounding, and perimeter defense that any contender would welcome. However, his health issues have made him an unreliable commodity, diminishing his trade value and on-court utility.
Vincent's championship experience from his Miami Heat days, where he played a crucial role in their deep playoff runs, made him an attractive free agent target. His ability to hit clutch three-pointers and defend opposing guards was supposed to provide the Lakers with playoff-tested depth. Unfortunately, injuries have prevented him from showcasing these skills consistently in Los Angeles.
A change of scenery could benefit all parties involved. Vanderbilt and Vincent might find better health situations and more defined roles elsewhere, while the Lakers would gain a more dependable contributor who can be counted on during crucial stretches. The trade deadline represents an opportunity for the organization to cut its losses on two investments that haven't panned out as hoped.
The coming weeks will be pivotal for the Lakers' front office as they navigate these complex negotiations. The success of their strategy hinges on two separate but related moves: first, finding a trade partner willing to exchange their 2032 pick for multiple future selections, and second, identifying a team ready to absorb Vanderbilt and Vincent's contracts in return for a quality wing.
If both objectives are achieved, the Lakers could dramatically reshape their roster without sacrificing their long-term flexibility. Landing a player like Kuminga would provide immediate help while preserving future assets for additional moves. Even if the Pelicans' targets prove too expensive, the flexibility gained from the pick swap would create other opportunities.
The alternative scenario—failing to move Vanderbilt and Vincent while retaining the single 2032 pick—would represent a missed opportunity. The Lakers would head into the playoffs with two expensive, unreliable role players and limited avenues for improvement. In a Western Conference featuring powerhouse teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, and Phoenix Suns, standing pat is essentially moving backward.
Rob Pelinka and the Lakers' front office must also consider the message these potential moves send to their superstar leaders. LeBron James and Anthony Davis have both publicly and privately expressed desires for the team to improve its supporting cast. Successfully executing these trades would demonstrate organizational commitment to maximizing their championship window.
The complexity of modern NBA trades, with salary matching, luxury tax implications, and future asset protection, makes these negotiations particularly challenging. The Lakers must carefully balance the immediate need for reliable contributors against the long-term health of their franchise. The Vanderbilt-Vincent package and the 2032 pick swap represent their primary tools in this delicate balancing act.
As the February deadline draws nearer, expect trade rumors to intensify around the Lakers. The combination of a motivated front office, disgruntled or underperforming players, and clear roster needs creates fertile ground for speculation. Whether the organization can convert these plans into reality will significantly impact their trajectory for the remainder of this season and beyond.
The NBA's trade landscape continues to evolve, with teams becoming increasingly creative in structuring deals that satisfy multiple objectives. The Lakers' reported strategy reflects this modern approach, attempting to transform liabilities into assets and distant promises into immediate help. For a franchise with championship aspirations and a closing window, such ingenuity isn't just preferred—it's essential.