The Los Angeles Lakers appear to be taking a patient approach to roster construction heading into the 2025-26 season, with no major trades on the immediate horizon. According to Sean Deveney, the organization has already had opportunities to include Gabe Vincent and Jarred Vanderbilt in trade packages but has declined to do so.
The message from within the franchise is clear: they want to see how the current roster performs before making any significant moves.
Deveney noted that most teams across the league are in a “wait-and-see” mode, and the Lakers are no exception. The front office believes it is better to assess the roster in real game situations before deciding whether to part with key role players. While this approach keeps the team stable, it has raised questions among fans who see potential upgrades available.
Jarred Vanderbilt, a defensive specialist, played just 36 games last season due to injuries, averaging 4.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.1 steals while shooting 48.8% from the field. His defensive versatility is valued, but his offensive game remains extremely limited.
He struggles as a three-point shooter and lacks consistent scoring tools, which can clog spacing in certain lineups. Vanderbilt is in the second year of a four-year, $48 million contract, giving the Lakers some cost certainty moving forward but also tying up cap space for a player with a narrow skill set.
Gabe Vincent, meanwhile, averaged 6.4 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists last season, shooting 40.0% from the field and 35.3% from beyond the arc. He is entering the final year of his contract, set to make $11 million.
While his shooting and playoff experience are assets, his role could diminish with the arrival of Marcus Smart in the rotation, potentially making him expendable if the Lakers seek upgrades.
From a roster-building standpoint, the Lakers could explore moving one or both players to acquire more depth on the wing, additional shooting, or defensive help to complement their stars. Potential targets like Andrew Wiggins could provide two-way versatility, while a reunion with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a former Laker and two-time NBA champion, could bolster the team’s championship credentials.
Both would address the Lakers’ needs for perimeter defense and reliable shooting, making them stronger in postseason matchups.
The stakes are high. With Luka Doncic locked into an extension and LeBron James nearing the twilight of his career, the Lakers are only a couple of smart moves away from being legitimate title contenders.
The window to maximize this duo is narrow, with LeBron expected to play only two or three more seasons. If Los Angeles stands pat for too long, they risk wasting what could be their final shot at building a championship roster around him.
For now, the Lakers’ decision to keep Vincent and Vanderbilt signals trust in the current group. But if early-season results don’t meet expectations, expect the front office to revisit trade discussions, possibly including the very players they’ve been unwilling to move. The difference between patience and missed opportunity may define this season.
