One struggling Lakers veteran may need a stroke of luck to remain with the team this summer.
As the 2024-25 NBA Finals wind down, the offseason is set to ramp up — and the Los Angeles Lakers are expected to be one of the more active teams after a brief postseason stint. The front office, led by Rob Pelinka, will soon shift focus to the 2025 NBA Draft, followed by the frantic pace of free agency and trade season.
Given the team’s cap limitations, trades remain the most likely route for L.A. to reshape its roster. That inevitably means some current players will be on the way out. One name that stands out is veteran guard Gabe Vincent, whose underwhelming stint in purple and gold may be nearing its end.
Gabe Vincent’s Time in L.A. May Be Running Out
Vincent, signed to a three-year, $33 million deal, hasn’t lived up to expectations since arriving from Miami. Despite modest improvement in Year 2, his 2024-25 campaign remained underwhelming. He averaged just 6.4 points, 1.4 assists, and 1.3 rebounds over 72 games (11 starts), shooting 40.0% from the field and 35.3% from three while playing about 21 minutes a night.
The postseason didn’t help his case either. In five playoff appearances, Vincent posted just 2.8 points per game on 35.7% shooting and 30.8% from beyond the arc in nearly 20 minutes of action per contest. It was a quiet showing that only reinforced concerns about his role on a contending team.
While his trade value may be limited, Vincent’s $11.5 million cap hit could serve as a useful contract for salary-matching in a bigger deal. A team looking to shed longer-term money might be willing to take on his contract, even if his on-court value is marginal.
Ultimately, Vincent’s fit with the Lakers looks shaky at best. Though he’s had brief flashes of productivity on both ends of the court, those moments haven’t been consistent enough to justify his contract — or his place in the rotation moving forward.
Unless the Lakers find no viable trade partner, Vincent should consider himself fortunate if he remains on the roster by the time free agency opens.
