Lakers target three major potential acquisitions! Plan to package trade two players and offer 2032 first-round pick

On January 16th Beijing time, NBA insider Kevin O'Connor revealed that the Los Angeles Lakers are considering packaging Vincent and Vanderbilt in a trade before the deadline. O'Connor stated that the Lakers are also shopping their 2032 first-round pick, aiming to exchange it for "two to three" lower-positioned first-round picks.

O'Connor pointed out that by acquiring more tradable draft picks, the Lakers will have additional assets, which can be combined with the Vanderbilt and Vincent trade package or separately paired with Vincent and Kleber to form another trade option.

O'Connor also mentioned that before the trade deadline, the Lakers’ potential trade targets include Herb Jones, Trey Murphy from the New Orleans Pelicans, and Jonathan Kuminga.

The Athletic also released a similar report, stating, "League and team sources confirm the Lakers have some interest in Kuminga, although it’s unclear if negotiations will begin. Sources say the Warriors have noticed the Lakers’ interest and are watching developments closely."

O'Connor’s report came after Kuminga had already "requested a trade" from the Warriors.

Reporter Fischer previously reported that the Lakers’ "clear preference" is to "find a properly sized pure 3-and-D wing player—ideally someone who can provide on-ball defense on the perimeter and also has some shooting ability."

Fischer wrote: "According to sources, during this summer’s restricted free agency negotiation deadlock with Kuminga, the Lakers contacted the Golden State Warriors about a potential trade. Since then, the Lakers have continued monitoring Kuminga’s situation while casting a wide net in the scarce wing market to seek reinforcement opportunities."

According to salary website Spotrac, Kuminga’s current salary cap hit is $22.5 million, with a $24.3 million team option for next season.

In theory, the Lakers could match this salary by trading Vincent and Vanderbilt—Spotrac shows both players’ cap hits this season are approximately $11.5 million each.

Vincent’s contract is about to expire, and when the Warriors consider potential trades for Kuminga, "they have consistently prioritized expiring contracts." Sources also revealed that trade talks between the Warriors and Kings have stalled because the Warriors are unwilling to take on Malik Monk’s contract with extra seasons and player options.

Vanderbilt’s contract length matches Vincent’s, but according to Spotrac, his average annual salary of $11 million is likely more acceptable compared to Monk’s $19.5 million per year.

According to Kalshi Sports data, Kuminga’s latest trade probability has reached 91%, ranking highest. He was almost completely out of the Warriors’ rotation earlier this season and has not appeared since December 19th. If the Lakers ultimately target him, they hope that a new environment and increased playing time will help Kuminga regain form and bounce back in the second half of his fifth NBA season.