Way-Too-Early Look at 3 Lakers Who Might Be Moved in 2025–26

Los Angeles Lakers are preparing for the 2025-26 season, but it is not too soon to guess the trade candidates, particularly if the season does not go as they expect it to. The surroundings for the team can be so dramatic, as the arena used to be called the Staples Center. By the time February comes, it may be the case that a specific guard for the Lakers is traded, or a specific forward is on the trading block.

There are, however, some of the purple and gold players who are considered untouchable. Most notable among them is Austin Reaves, who will likely be signing a new contract, with small chances of being traded. Luka Doncic has just signed a $165 million contract extension to remain playing for Los Angeles, and LeBron James will likely carry the season to completion with the team. The Lakers also signed DeAndre Ayton to complete the starting center position. Three players, however, may be headed for a trade.

Following the list are three players who could end up on the trade market. The club could include, but not be limited to, one or a few players if it wishes to trade them out. Lakers guard Gabe Vincent may be the odd man out. Vincent arrived with the Lakers as the presumed backup guard, providing essential depth to the roster. That hasn’t materialized, however. For the first five games of the playoffs, he averaged a lowly 2.8 points, made 35.7 percent of the floor, and 30.8 percent of the three-pointers. Vincent’s contribution to the 2025 NBA Playoffs came up particularly short, as he could not even scrape up a tally for both concluding games. The lackluster showing caused the team to take action during the 2025 offseason. Even with Vincent showing some defensive promise, it is not easy to discount the vulnerabilities he represents on the offensive side. The Lakers signed Marcus Smart to a multiyear contract, ostensibly providing a superior option off the bench for them.

Lakers

His contract runs out this season, so he qualifies to be traded before the deadline. There is still time before the commencement of the 2025-26 season for the Lakers to do a late trade, and if it happens, Vincent may be the first to leave.