We are still in the depths of the NBA offseason, meaning that there will be plenty of NBA trade rumors involving the Los Angeles Lakers.
LeBron James seems to be at the center of most of these trade talks, but there are plenty of other depth players who could be the subject of trade speculation.
RB Hayek of Clutch Points recently listed three players who could very well find themselves on other teams, either before the season begins or at the trade deadline.
3 Los Angeles Lakers Players Named As Potential Trade Candidates
In his piece, Hayek names three players who he thinks could be on the move: Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Rui Hachimura.
I’m not sure anyone would be too surprised if the Los Angeles Lakers decided to move these players, outside of maybe Hachimura.
Regarding Gabe Vincent, Hayek writes:
“Vincent was so bad in the 2025 NBA Playoffs that he did not score a single point in either of the final two games. Therefore, it forced the team into doing something during the 2025 offseason. While Vincent played admirably on defense, the weaknesses were still notable. The Lakers signed Marcus Smart to a multiyear deal to give them a possibly better option off the bench.”
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Vincent has felt like he has been on the trade block since he joined the Lakers. The signing of Marcus Smart further solidified that, and the fact that this is the final season of his contract makes it a no-brainer. I would be really surprised if Vincent remains on the Lakers through the entire 2025-26 season.
Jarred Vanderbilt is someone who the Lakers have had high hopes for, but it just hasn’t come to fruition yet.
“The only benefits that Vanderbilt gives the purple and gold are his strong perimeter defending,” writes Hayek. “Unfortunately, he is limited offensively. Coach JJ Redick may want another option if his offense does not keep pace with his defense. Vanderbilt has a $10.7 million contract that runs through next season. However, there is a chance the Lakers will trade him to get different players that could give them a well-rounded game.”
The Los Angeles Lakers added viable defenders during the offseason, making Vanderbilt even more expendable. Don’t be surprised if he is added to a package for a player that can aid a deep playoff run.
Rui Hachimura is the best of the three players listed and is currently a member of the starting rotation. His biggest asset is his value if the Lakers find his skill set repetitive with what they have on the roster.
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“Hachimura is still a young forward who has a lot of value around the league,” says Hayek. “If there comes a scenario where the team needs to consolidate salary for a larger attraction, then the $17 million contract would be a critical trading option. Likewise, his inconsistent defense and rebounding have been a major reason for the great need for big men. Despite being a tall player, the Lakers forward has not always been the best on the boards.”
Before the Los Angeles Lakers landed Deandre Ayton, Hachimura was a name constantly linked in trade packages, so it is no surprise that it will continue to do so. The question is, will a trade actually become a reality?
What do you think, Laker Nation? Comment below!