With the NBA trade season starting to simmer-thanks in large part to the December 15 milestone that makes most summer signees trade-eligible-the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in a familiar position: looking to tweak the roster without blowing it up. While the idea of Giannis Antetokounmpo donning the Purple and Gold will always spark excitement in L.A., the reality is far more grounded.
The Lakers aren’t chasing stars at the moment-they’re hunting for fit. Specifically, a 3-and-D wing who can help balance the roster without breaking the bank.
The challenge? The Lakers don’t have a ton of movable assets.
But what they do have is a few expiring contracts-namely Gabe Vincent, Rui Hachimura, and Maxi Kleber-that could be useful in the right trade scenario. These aren’t blockbuster chips, but in a league where financial flexibility is king, expiring deals can carry real value, especially for teams looking to shed salary or reset.
According to former Grizzlies executive John Hollinger, now an analyst with deep front-office insight, Vincent and Kleber are the most likely names to be moved before the February 5 trade deadline. That makes sense. Both are on contracts that come off the books after this season, and while their on-court production has been modest, their cap implications make them appealing to teams looking to create future space.
Here’s where things get interesting. The Lakers are walking a financial tightrope.
They’re hovering just below the first tax apron, which means they’re hard-capped and limited in what they can take back in a deal. But there's still room to maneuver.
If they package Vincent and Kleber together, they could bring in up to $23 million in salary. That opens the door to some intriguing possibilities-especially if they’re willing to toss in their one tradable first-round pick.
Now, if L.A. really wants to swing bigger, they could include Jarred Vanderbilt’s $11.5 million contract. But that deal runs through the 2027-28 season, and committing long-term money is tricky business under the new CBA. The Lakers would need to be absolutely certain the incoming player is a difference-maker before going down that road.
The strategy here seems clear: stay opportunistic. The Lakers don’t need to force a trade just to make one. But if the right player becomes available-someone who fits their timeline and can help LeBron James and Anthony Davis compete now without compromising future flexibility-they have the tools to make it happen.
It’s also worth noting that the Lakers are positioned to be players in free agency next summer. Thanks to Austin Reaves’ low cap hold and the ability to retain key pieces like LeBron, Reaves, and Hachimura using Bird rights, they could have some room to work with-especially if LeBron takes a pay cut or departs.
So what’s the play? Most likely, the Lakers will explore deals that bring back a player with salary extending into the 2026-27 season, while still keeping them under the apron. That would give them a contributor now, without locking them out of future moves like sign-and-trades.
Vincent and Kleber might not be lighting up the box score, but in today’s cap-conscious NBA, they’re valuable in other ways. For teams stuck in the middle or heading toward a rebuild, taking on those contracts-especially if the Lakers sweeten the pot with a pick-could be a smart way to reset.
Bottom line: The Lakers are in a position to make a move. It might not be flashy, but it could be the kind of incremental upgrade that makes a difference come playoff time. And if the right opportunity presents itself, they’re ready to pounce.