Lakers Shift Focus to Buyout Market After Sending Gabe Vincent to Hawks
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The Los Angeles Lakers made just one move before Thursday’s NBA trade deadline, trading guard Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks for veteran shooter Luke Kennard, according to multiple reports.
The 2032 selection was the only second-round pick the Lakers controlled heading into the deadline. By moving Vincent’s expiring contract for Kennard, vice president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka added much-needed perimeter shooting to a roster that has struggled from beyond the arc.
After completing the swap, Los Angeles stood pat. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that the Vincent-Kennard deal was the club’s lone transaction and that the front office will now “evaluate its two-way spots and monitor the buyout market.” The Lakers currently hold one open roster slot and can create a second by waiving a player.
Los Angeles sits roughly $1.4 million below the first apron hard cap, giving the team room to sign a free agent once buyouts begin. Potential targets mentioned around the league include Cam Thomas, Khris Middleton, Lonzo Ball, Chris Paul, Mike Conley and Haywood Highsmith. Internally, the Lakers could convert two-way center Drew Timme to a standard deal to make him playoff-eligible or recall guard Kobe Bufkin, who has excelled in the G League.
One surprise at the deadline was the Lakers’ inability to move second-year wing Dalton Knecht. After a promising start to his rookie season, Knecht’s production dropped following last year’s rescinded trade to the Charlotte Hornets, and the arrival of Kennard pushes him further down the depth chart.
If Los Angeles decides to open another roster spot, the club could waive a veteran such as Maxi Kleber, giving Pelinka flexibility to make multiple additions before the postseason.
Looking ahead, the Lakers are expected to pursue bigger moves this summer. Reports indicate the organization could be a serious contender for Giannis Antetokounmpo if the Milwaukee Bucks explore trade options, with speculation that Los Angeles may attempt to pair the two-time MVP with Luka Doncic.
Source: LakersNation.com
