The Los Angeles Lakers are in the process of making major roster changes heading into the offseason. After a disappointing end to their postseason campaign, the Purple and Gold learned that some things needed to change if their core of LeBron James and Luka Doncic were to stand a chance in a highly competitive Western Conference.
To facilitate this, the Lakers’ agenda of making roster upgrades has seen a variety of different player profiles presented. While the most pressing concern is in the frontcourt rotation, to fulfill their dire need for a big man, the organization has also indicated their demand for more players on the wing.
While the implications have been for a wing defender, the Lakers could also potentially be looking to improve upon their perimeter shooting this offseason.
For the 2024-25 season, the Lakers shot 36.6% from beyond the three-point line. In comparison with the rest of the league, they ranked 14th in the league, not a positive sign for a team with title aspirations.
Although the team features some reliable perimeter shooters in Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Dorian Finney-Smith, and even rookie Dalton Knecht, it is evident that the output has not been satisfactory. In light of this, the Lakers could effectively make a move to acquire a key three-point threat to bolster their perimeter presence.
While the profile of such a player is becoming increasingly common across the league, the Lakers could set their sights on Miami Heat sharpshooter Duncan Robinson as a target. Let’s take a look at a potential trade idea that could help the team land the veteran shooter.
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Duncan Robinson
Miami Heat Receive: Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber, 2025 No. 55 Overall Pick
The Lakers Add A Legitimate Sharpshooter
The potential acquisition of Duncan Robinson could be wildly beneficial for the Los Angeles Lakers. Considering that the team is going to be structured around Luka Doncic, the team’s star for the future, surrounding the guard with a solid perimeter presence might be ideal.
Doncic’s ability to create out of the pick-and-roll and on the open floor has always been supported by players who move well without the ball. Robinson is the prototypical catch-and-shoot type of player, constantly relocating to find the best look.
The 31-year-old played in 74 games for the Heat in the 2024-25 season. In the regular season, he recorded an average of 11.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game while shooting 39.3% from beyond the arc.
These numbers are ideal for someone who will be stepping in off the bench as the sixth or seventh man. Robinson only averaged 24.1 minutes per game, so he could be more productive if given more playing time.
At 6’7″, Robinson also gives the team some length out on the wings. While he isn’t necessarily a solid on-ball defender, he has shown sparks of being a reliable defender in the context of a team’s defensive strategy.
This trade also benefits the Lakers as they will be able to clear a lot of roster space in the process of acquiring the Heat forward. This will be necessary in facilitating their efforts to make a move for a big man using the MLE exception.
The Heat Receive Fair Compensation
Duncan Robinson has been a vital part of Miami’s rotation since their appearance in the 2020 NBA Finals. Although he saw a drastic reduction in his role a few seasons ago, he established himself as a key cog in the system again.
But giving up Robinson does appear to be in Miami’s best interests. With one year left on his contract, the Heat are in a better position to trade him while he is still valued at $19.8 million to get something in return.
In this trade proposal, the Heat sees the return of a former player in Gabe Vincent. Vincent had developed into quite a formidable player for the Heat during his four seasons with the team.
In his last season in Miami, he averaged 9.4 points and 2.5 assists per game while playing some stellar defense. His return to the team may help strengthen their guard rotation, making provisions for a solid defensive guard behind Davion Mitchell.
Along with Vincent, the Heat would also see the arrival of Maxi Kleber. The German forward missed most of the season due to injury, but he could be a solid fit in Miami given his ability to stretch the floor and his high IQ.
While he may not have the athleticism to keep up defensively, he could be a valuable presence on the court as a team defender. But, at 33 years old and $11 million owed to him on an expiring contract, the Heat could simply wait out the season and see him walk away to open up cap space for next summer.
The real steal in this deal might be the No. 55 pick in the upcoming NBA draft. Miami has had a fair degree of success when it comes to building through the draft, even in the second round. Given that the Lakers were linked to a big man, Miami could look to follow the same template to bolster its frontcourt for the future or use this pick to make some moves on draft night.
