Getty
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 05: Gabe Vincent #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the second half of a game against the Boston Celtics at the TD Garden on December 05, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers have been making calls to try to make a big move at the trade deadline. They have multiple expiring contracts to use as trade pieces. Los Angeles needs help on the perimeter with their defense more than anything else.
Right now, the Lakers have the seventh-worst defense in the league. Fans have been hoping that the Lakers would consider trying to make a massive trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo. They have now made a trade that makes a bigger move highly unlikely.
Los Angeles has made a trade, giving up one of their expiring contracts in Gabe Vincent in exchange for a very good 3-point shooter.
GettyLos Angeles Lakers guard Gabe Vincent dribbles the ball. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Lakers Trade Gabe Vincent to the Hawks
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Lakers have traded Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round pick to the Hawks in exchange for Luke Kennard. Vincent is one of the expiring contracts that LA had to use as a trade chip. They have cashed it in for more offense.
Making this trade means that the Lakers are highly unlikely to make a bigger move for a superstar. Vincent’s salary was likely going to have to be in any deal for Antetokounmpo or anyone else. It seems that Los Angeles has decided to get out of that trade war.
Kennard gives the Lakers one of the best shooters in the NBA. He shoots just under 50 percent from beyond the 3-point arc. LA will now have more shooting around Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves. Kennard is a solid player off the bench.
Vincent was never healthy for an extended stretch of time with the Lakers. Trading him was inevitable. The question was whether or not he was going to be part of a package for a star player. Now, that question has been answered.
GettyAtlanta Hawks guard Luke Kennard looks to pass the ball. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Lakers Decided to go Offense Over Defense
Instead of trying to find some perimeter defense help, LA decided to double down on offense. Kennard will help the Lakers be more dangerous on that end of the court. When the team is fully healthy, they don’t have any issues scoring the basketball.
It was always unlikely that LA was going to make a big move at the deadline. If they are planning on keeping James next season, they need cap space to bring him back. That would have been close to impossible if they brought in a big name with a large salary.
Right now, the Lakers sit sixth in the Western Conference standings. They would avoid a play-in game right now if the playoffs were to start today. Still, they would feel much better if they were able to land a top-four seed, which would give them home-court advantage in the first round.
Los Angeles could still make a deal around the fringes involving Rui Hachimura and his expiring contract. Otherwise, the Lakers are likely done.