Lakers Rumors: D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent

December 2, 2024

The Los Angeles Lakers are no strangers to the trade rumor mill, and as the new season unfolds, the usual suspects are back in the spotlight.

NBA executives, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, are already eyeing the Lakers’ prime trade assets — those coveted future first-round picks in 2029 and 2031.

Thanks to the Stepien Rule, those picks are among the few chips Los Angeles can play, alongside three potential pick swaps.

Now, when it comes to players, it’s the usual suspects leading the chatter. D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, and Gabe Vincent are all expected to be at the forefront of trade discussions, per Scotto. Here’s why:

D’Angelo Russell: Coming off a pair of career-best shooting seasons from deep, Russell hasn’t quite found his groove under new head coach JJ Redick. Struggles out of the gate have relegated him to the bench, a disappointing turn for the third-highest-paid Laker.

At $18.69 million on an expiring deal, Russell is a classic “moveable contract,” and his name is already making the rounds, just as it did last year when he was floated in talks for Dejounte Murray.

Rui Hachimura: Steady and reliable, Hachimura has thrived as a starter since arriving last February. Not only has he brought consistency, but his career-best three-point shooting makes him a valuable trade asset.

With $35.26 million left on his deal through 2025-26, Hachimura could be the centerpiece of a larger package if the Lakers look to swing for the fences.

Gabe Vincent: The addition of Vincent ahead of last season hasn’t panned out as planned. Injuries and subpar shooting have derailed his time with the Lakers after signing a three-year, $33 million contract.

Vincent, however, remains useful as a salary filler in any potential deal. Per Scotto, word around the league is that Los Angeles could pair Vincent with second-round picks in pursuit of someone like the Wizards’ Jonas Valanciunas, a center they’ve reportedly long admired.

It’s early, sure. But these Lakers are built to contend, and if things don’t click soon, GM Rob Pelinka won’t hesitate to shuffle the deck.

Whether that means tweaking the roster with smaller moves or going big with those future picks, one thing’s for certain: the Lakers’ front office will stay aggressive. Of that, we can be certain.