The Los Angeles Lakers’ 2025-26 roster is, for now, largely in place. But anyone expecting this exact group to carry the franchise into next spring’s playoffs might be in for a surprise.
In a league where windows can close in the blink of an eye, Los Angeles’ situation is uniquely urgent. Luka Dončić and LeBron James have made it clear they’re focused on winning now, not in some future three-year plan. That urgency leaves little doubt that general manager Rob Pelinka will be active before the 2026 trade deadline, especially if early-season results expose the roster’s current shortcomings.
Dalton Knecht: Caught in the Numbers Game
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Dalton Knecht’s future in Los Angeles already feels precarious. The second-year sharpshooter entered the league with plenty of promise, but reality has been less kind. His rookie campaign ended with him falling out of the rotation, and his minutes in the postseason were minimal. A disappointing Summer League only added to the uncertainty.
Knecht’s $4 million salary for 2025-26 makes him a useful trade chip—enough to help match salaries in a larger deal without creating long-term cap concerns. Around the league, there are still front offices intrigued by the former Tennessee star’s shooting potential, but inside the Lakers’ war room, his path to a meaningful role has grown murky. As the team angles for another All-Star-caliber player, Knecht may be more valuable to them on the trade call sheet than on the court.
Gabe Vincent: The Odd Man Out?
Gabe Vincent’s signing was supposed to bolster the Lakers’ backcourt depth. Instead, his tenure has been defined by inconsistency. His 2025 postseason was particularly brutal—2.8 points per game on 35.7% shooting, including just 30.8% from three, and he failed to score in the final two playoff games.
While his defense still has its moments, Los Angeles has already moved to upgrade, bringing in Marcus Smart on a multiyear deal. That alone could push Vincent to the periphery of the rotation. With his three-year, $11 million deal set to expire after this season, he’s an ideal candidate for teams seeking an expiring contract—either rebuilding clubs looking to shed salary or contenders hoping a change of scenery will unlock his Miami-era production.
Maxi Kleber: A Short-Term Solution at Best
Maxi Kleber’s presence in L.A. is less about long-term planning and more about plugging gaps. The veteran big man’s $11 million expiring deal also makes him a natural inclusion in any trade for a higher-impact player. While he could serve as insurance against another disastrous center situation early in the season, it’s difficult to envision him still filling that role come March if a blockbuster deal emerges.
The Lakers’ Bigger Names on Notice
It’s not just the fringe rotation players who could be on the move. Rui Hachimura remains a valuable offensive piece, averaging 13.1 points last season on 50.9% shooting (and 41.3% from deep), with his playoff production even stronger. But his $17 million salary and inconsistent defense make him a logical candidate if the Lakers need to match money in a major acquisition.
Jarred Vanderbilt faces a different problem: trust. Despite his defensive value, his offensive limitations and diminished playoff role suggest he’s on thin ice with the coaching staff. His $10.7 million contract could be flipped for a more balanced contributor if Pelinka and new head coach JJ Redick want to strengthen both ends of the floor.
Lakers Trade Rumors: The Inevitable February Shake-Up
Some players—Austin Reaves, Dončić, James, newly signed DeAndre Ayton—are as close to untouchable as it gets. But with multiple expiring deals, tradeable mid-tier salaries, and an executive unafraid to make aggressive moves, the Lakers are positioned to act decisively if the right opportunity presents itself.
In Los Angeles, standing pat has never been part of the championship blueprint. The 2025-26 season may start with this roster, but history—and the stakes—suggest it won’t finish that way.