The Los Angeles Lakers navigating through a high-pressure season yet again, but this year feels a little different. With LeBron James in the twilight of his career at 40 years old and Anthony Davis’ injury history making fans nervous, time is of the essence for the Lakers to make the most of their championship window.
Despite flashes of brilliance from players like Austin Reaves, who’s thriving as a third option averaging 18.4 points, 6.0 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game, the Lakers are hovering in the middle of the Western Conference standings.
The Lakers rank 18th in offensive efficiency (111.2 PPG) and 17th on defense (113.8 OPPG), and while they’ve made midseason moves, such as adding Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, their roster is still far from perfect. This means changes are inevitable, and as the February trade deadline and 2025 offseason approach, as many as ten players could find themselves on the move. Whether through trade, free agency, or declining player options, these moves will shape the future of the franchise.
Austin Reaves
Austin Reaves is having a breakout campaign, posting 18.4 points, 6.0 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game, and he is by all accounts the third-best player on the Lakers behind James and Davis. However, that doesn’t make him completely untouchable, especially if the Lakers do not finish the season with at least a Western Conference Finals appearance in the 2025 Playoffs.
The Lakers are a franchise known to make shrewd moves if it means improving the roster, especially if a big-name star such as Trae Young becomes available at the end of the season. In that case, the Lakers would probably need to add Austin Reaves to land one of the best point guards in the league.
After all, coach JJ Redick is seemingly a huge fan of Young. Remember how Redick sang Dorian Finney-Smith’s praises and the player ended up on the Lakers?
It is extremely unlikely that the Lakers will move Reaves (making $13 million this season and $13.9 million next season) for a player who does not move the needle before the February 6th trade deadline. But if a player like Young or even Zach LaVine becomes available in the summer of 2025, the Lakers might pull the trigger if the team does not rack up enough wins before the end of the season.
Rui Hachimura
Rui Hachimura has become a valuable rotational player for the Lakers, averaging 12.3 points and 5.2 rebounds per game this season while shooting an efficient 49.4% from the field and 41.7% from three. However, his $17 million salary (and $18.3 million next year) makes him one of the team’s most movable pieces in a potential trade for a third star.
The Lakers could be smart to make a move for a new center like Myles Turner by including Hachimura or use the forward in a blockbuster deal to secure one All-Star-caliber player. For the Lakers, trading Hachimura isn’t a reflection of his abilities but rather a necessity to improve their top-end talent.
The franchise needs a more dynamic playmaker or scorer to complement LeBron James and Anthony Davis. If the Lakers can package Hachimura with other assets to acquire a bona fide star, it’s a move they have to consider, especially with LeBron’s clock ticking.
Dorian Finney-Smith
Dorian Finney-Smith has been a decent defender for the Lakers since being acquired midseason, but his $15.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season looms large. Finney-Smith is averaging 5.9 points and 2.9 rebounds while shooting 36.0% from three with the Lakers over seven games, and the player needs to consider his long-term future with regard to his new contract.
Even if his numbers aren’t great, he could decline his player option and test free agency, where teams desperate for perimeter defense will pay a premium. For the Lakers, losing Finney-Smith in free agency would be a blow, but they may not be willing to offer him a long-term deal given their cap constraints. While he’s a valuable piece, the team might prioritize using their resources to go after another star in free agency or via trade.
Jarred Vanderbilt
Jarred Vanderbilt had been a consistent defensive presence for the Lakers in his first season with the team but has yet to play a single game this season and he could be looking for a way out to join a new team. Averaging 6.1 points and 6.4 rebounds per game over this career so far, Vanderbilt is on a salary that doesn’t fit with the team’s plans ($11.6 million next season and $12.4 million the season after).
Not to mention, his skill set is redundant with Dorian Finney-Smith now on the roster, making him a prime trade candidate. The Lakers could look to package Vanderbilt in a deal for a shooter or playmaker to address their offensive shortcomings. While his energy and rebounding are valuable, the team may view him as expendable in their pursuit of higher-end talent.
Gabe Vincent
Gabe Vincent signed a three-year, $33 million deal with the Lakers in 2023, but his performance hasn’t lived up to expectations. Averaging just 4.7 points and 1.1 assists while shooting 30.8% from deep, Vincent has struggled to make a significant impact. With his $11 million salary, he could be included in a trade as a salary filler for a bigger deal.
The Lakers likely envisioned Vincent as a spark plug off the bench, but his inconsistent play has made him dispensable. Moving him for a player who fits better alongside LeBron and Davis, such as Jonas Valanciunas, could help the Lakers maximize their remaining championship window.
Jalen Hood-Schifino
Jalen Hood-Schifino, the Lakers’ promising young guard, hasn’t been given significant playing time this season. Averaging 2.0 points per game in only two games this season, the former first-round pick hasn’t had the chance to showcase his full potential. With teams often valuing young, cost-controlled players ($3.9 million in 2024-25), Hood-Schifino could be included in a trade package for a veteran.
If the Lakers don’t move him by the deadline, they risk losing him in free agency when his rookie deal expires this summer. Given the Lakers’ win-now focus, they might decide to trade Hood-Schifino before he leaves for nothing.
Shake Milton
Shake Milton hasn’t made much of an impact for the Lakers, averaging 2.2 points and 0.8 assists this season. On a $2.9 million deal this season with $3 million in each of the next two seasons, he’s a low-risk player for many teams looking to match salary. However, Milton is set to hit free agency, and the Lakers might not want to use the cap space to retain him.
While Milton’s scoring punch is valuable when he is firing, his defensive limitations and streaky shooting make him less of a priority for the Lakers. If another team offers him a significant raise, it’s unlikely the Lakers will match it.
Jaxson Hayes
Jaxson Hayes has played a limited role for the Lakers, averaging 5.2 points and 3.9 rebounds in 16.4 minutes per game. On a one-year, $2.5 million deal, Hayes is likely to test free agency, where he could secure a larger role and a bigger payday.
The Lakers haven’t relied heavily on Hayes, and his departure wouldn’t drastically affect the team. However, finding another backup center would become a priority if he leaves because Anthony Davis will want better players behind him on the depth chart.
Cam Reddish
Cam Reddish has struggled to find consistency this season, averaging 3.4 points on 42.4% shooting from the field. On a one-year, $2.5 million deal, Reddish is a free agent in 2025 and is unlikely to be re-signed unless he shows dramatic improvement.
The Lakers took a flyer on Reddish, but his inability to make a significant impact likely spells the end of his time in Los Angeles. A fresh start elsewhere might be best for both parties and that will likely happen this summer.
Christian Wood
Christian Wood had been a solid contributor in the NBA before arriving to the Lakers but he has yet to play a game this season. On a one-year, $3.0 million deal this season, Wood will likely test free agency because he hasn’t hit the heights expected of him with the Purple and Gold.
The Lakers, strapped for cap space, may not be able to afford Wood’s next deal. While his scoring and rebounding are assets, his defensive shortcomings make him less of a priority. We don’t expect the big man to return to the Lakers, whether he is used in a trade before the February 6th deadline or if he leaves in free agency.
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