Lakers Urged to Waive Gabe Vincent and Create Cap Space to Sign Veteran All-Star Big Man for 2025 Championship Push

As the Los Angeles Lakers continue to make offseason moves in hopes of contending for another championship, one topic gaining significant traction is the suggestion that the franchise waive veteran guard Gabe Vincent. The move, which would create crucial cap space, is being floated by analysts and insiders who believe the Lakers need to pivot their roster construction toward securing a proven All-Star-caliber big man. With the Western Conference getting stronger and the clock ticking on LeBron James’ championship window, the urgency to finalize a roster capable of deep playoff success is at an all-time high.

The Case for Moving On from Gabe Vincent

Gabe Vincent was signed by the Lakers in 2023 on a three-year, $33 million deal following his breakout playoff performance with the Miami Heat. At the time, the signing was heralded as a major win for Los Angeles — a low-cost, high-upside guard with playoff experience, defensive versatility, and the ability to hit clutch shots.

However, Vincent’s tenure in Los Angeles has been marred by injuries and inconsistency. He played in only 11 games during the 2023-24 regular season due to a persistent knee injury and never found his rhythm when he returned in the postseason. The Lakers, already loaded at the guard position with Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell (before his trade), and now rookie Dalton Knecht, have limited room to justify keeping Vincent on the books if they hope to make a significant frontcourt upgrade.

With just one fully guaranteed year left on his contract, and his salary sitting around $11 million, waiving or trading Vincent could open a path to bringing in a player who directly addresses the Lakers’ most glaring need — size, rebounding, and interior defense.

Targeting an All-Star Big Man

NBA insiders have suggested the Lakers are actively exploring the market for a veteran big man who can complement Anthony Davis in the frontcourt, provide relief during his frequent injury absences, and solidify their presence in the paint. Names like Clint Capela, Deandre Ayton, Jonas Valančiūnas, and even the possibility of pursuing free-agent veteran Serge Ibaka have surfaced. But the dream scenario for many Lakers fans and insiders involves signing a former All-Star with proven playoff experience.

One particularly intriguing target: Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers. Turner, a consistent shot-blocking force and floor spacer, has long been linked to the Lakers. His ability to defend the rim while stretching the floor offensively would allow Davis to shift back to his preferred power forward role, giving the Lakers a dynamic frontcourt duo.

However, acquiring Turner — or any similarly talented big man — would require cap space, draft capital, or both. Waiving Vincent may be the first step toward creating the financial flexibility needed to make such a move a reality.

What the Lakers Would Gain

The Lakers are currently loaded with guards and wings who can handle the ball and shoot. What they lack is a true second rim protector who can anchor the defense when Davis is off the floor or stretched to the perimeter.

By freeing themselves of Vincent’s contract, the Lakers could reallocate that salary toward either absorbing a veteran’s expiring deal in a trade or targeting one of the remaining free agents still on the market. Another option could be a midseason acquisition using the open cap space and trade exceptions.

Moreover, adding a big man gives head coach JJ Redick more lineup flexibility. A two-big lineup with Davis and a traditional center would allow the Lakers to contest shots at the rim more effectively and limit offensive rebounds — issues that plagued them in losses to teams like the Nuggets and Timberwolves last season.

The Risk of Losing Gabe Vincent

Of course, waiving Vincent isn’t without risk. If healthy, he can be a solid two-way guard who fits well into a playoff rotation. His postseason heroics with the Heat in 2023 — particularly in series against the Celtics and Bucks — showed he’s capable of rising to the occasion.

However, with the Lakers focused on immediate championship aspirations and Vincent’s availability in question, the franchise may not be able to afford the wait-and-see approach. With so many capable guards already on the roster, Vincent becomes the most expendable option when calculating value versus necessity.

What JJ Redick Thinks

Since being hired as the new head coach, JJ Redick has emphasized versatility, toughness, and accountability. In interviews and pressers, he’s also acknowledged the importance of rim protection and rebounding — areas where the Lakers were inconsistent in 2024.

While Redick hasn’t spoken directly about Vincent’s future, it’s clear that any decisions made this offseason are being run through the lens of maximizing this current roster’s potential to win now. Redick, who played alongside many All-Star bigs during his career (like Dwight Howard and Joel Embiid), knows the importance of having an elite frontcourt presence to anchor a contending team.

If Redick believes the Lakers can’t go far without another capable center — and the front office agrees — then tough decisions like cutting ties with Vincent become much easier to justify.

Fan Reaction

Laker Nation is split on the idea. On one hand, fans are desperate for the team to make aggressive moves to stay competitive in a loaded Western Conference. On the other, there’s sympathy for Vincent, a gritty player who hasn’t had a fair shot to prove himself in purple and gold.

Social media reactions to the rumors range from full endorsement:

“Waive Vincent and go get Myles Turner. Enough of the small ball already!”
— @LakeShowTruth

To cautionary takes:

“Vincent is better than he’s shown. Injuries killed his year. Let him come back strong before giving up.”
— @LakersForever

Ultimately, most fans agree the Lakers need to improve defensively and get bigger up front if they want to contend with the likes of Denver, Minnesota, and Oklahoma City.

Rob Pelinka’s Dilemma

General Manager Rob Pelinka is once again tasked with threading the needle — balancing cap flexibility, roster depth, and win-now urgency. His track record since the 2020 championship has been mixed, with several key rotational pieces lost and questionable signings replacing them.

However, if he can create the cap space needed to land a veteran big man who fills a real need, it could be his most impactful move since trading for Anthony Davis.

Pelinka has already shown a willingness to move quickly, having made deals to bring in players like Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt midseason in past years. Now, it may be time for another bold call.

The call to waive Gabe Vincent isn’t personal — it’s business. For a franchise operating under the constant pressure of championship expectations, every contract must justify its cost. If freeing up $11 million opens the door for the Lakers to sign or trade for a starting-caliber center, it’s a move they may have no choice but to make.

With LeBron James nearing the end of his legendary career, the Lakers must capitalize on every opportunity to build a title-ready roster. Gabe Vincent may still have untapped potential, but for now, the bigger picture — literally and figuratively — may require Los Angeles to bet on size, defense, and immediate impact.

In the NBA, sometimes the hardest decisions are the right ones. The Lakers may soon face that reality as the 2025 season draws closer.