Lakers blockbuster trade proposal swaps point guard for 6-foot-10 two-time All-Star

The Los Angeles Lakers haven’t dragged their feet following their first-round playoff exit. 

The Lakers’ previous roster wasn’t going to cut it in a vastly improved Western Conference, motivating the organization to begin the 2025 offseason with a bang. 

Los Angeles has signed Jake LaRavia and Deandre Ayton, re-signed Jaxson Hayes, and waived two guards to make it possible for them to add former Boston Celtics defensive stud Marcus Smart. 

Still, Sports Illustrated’s Rohan Roman isn’t sold that the franchise is satisfied in late July.

In Roman’s recent blockbuster trade proposal, the Lakers would swap a 6-foot-2 point guard for a 6-foot-10 two-time All-Star.

“(Nikola) Vucevic would be able to drastically improve LA's spacing and give them another offensive option that can relieve pressure from their big three," Raman wrote Sunday. "He's also a presence on the boards and can generate second-chance points for LA." 

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“(Gabe) Vincent has been a good perimeter defender and capable shooter in the past for the Heat and it's possible he could find that form with Chicago (Bulls).”

Roman’s full trade proposal sends Vucevic to the Lakers, Vincent, Maxi Kleber, a 2026 second round pick (via Boston Celtics, from Atlanta Hawks), a 2029 second round pick (via Cleveland Cavaliers, from Hawks), a 2032 second-round pick (via Hawks), and a 2028 first-round pick swap (via Lakers) to the Bulls, and Ayo Dosunmu to the Hawks.

With Ayton slated to control the paint for the Lakers next season in a starting role, Vucevic isn’t a necessary summer addition. 

However, if Los Angeles doesn’t feel comfortable handing Hayes the backup center position, the former Philadelphia 76ers big man could be an under-the-radar trade target for the organization. 

While rim protection isn’t a strong suit for Vucevic, his no-nonsense low-post approach and pick-and-pop ability would strengthen the Lakers’ already-bolstered frontcourt.

Vucevic averaged 18.5 and 10.1 rebounds with the Bulls last season, shooting 53.0% from the field and 40.2% from three. 

It's unlikely Vincent will be a Laker for much longer following a second consecutive unconvincing campaign with the Lakers, making him a no-brainer trade bait asset.

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