Lakers predicted to trade $81M veteran duo for $77M fan favorite, reunite with former playoff hero

The Los Angeles Lakers have slowed down recently after a fast start to the regular season. This year has the potential to be special, but the team has faced some struggles. For LeBron James, the focus is simple: he wants to compete in what could be his final season.

“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Rich Paul told ESPN. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we've had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.”

The Lakers are expected to be active at the trade deadline, and one name to monitor is Gabe Vincent.

“‘The Los Angeles Lakers will be active and aggressive ahead of the trade deadline, and Gabe Vincent’s play all but guarantees that he will be sent out in whatever deal Rob Pelinka makes. The guard is shooting under 40 percent from the field, and the Lakers have an abysmal 120.8 defensive rating with Vincent on the floor. He has played in just seven of the first 18 games, but Los Angeles fans know what to expect at this point,’” Lake Show Life’s Tyler Watts wrote.

Watts predicts Vincent and Jarred Vanderbilt could be included in a trade for Malik Monk.

“‘Los Angeles has limited assets, so Rob Pelinka should be looking for a deal like this. It allows the Lakers to dump Vando’s contract and Vincent’s expiring dollars for two rotation pieces. Monk would help solve their shooting woes, and Carter could blossom into the defensive stopper the purple and gold desperately need. This is a risky deal, but one with massive upside if everything falls into place,’” Watts wrote.

A return of Malik Monk to Los Angeles would be a reunion fans would love, and adding a young star like Devin Carter gives the Lakers even more to look forward to. Both additions address exactly what the team needs.

Shipping out Vincent and Vanderbilt isn’t a huge loss. Vincent has struggled with staying healthy, and Vanderbilt has rarely been a regular part of the rotation lately. While this trade carries some risk, it could also significantly move the needle for the Lakers.