Lakers Shake Up: D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, and Gabe Vincent Hit the Trade Block as L.A. Eyes Championship Overhaul

The Los Angeles Lakers have had a decent start to the season but are far from being a championship contender. Recognizing this, the team’s front office appears ready to shake things up. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Lakers are exploring trade opportunities involving D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, and Gabe Vincent.

Additionally, the team’s most valuable assets—unprotected first-round picks in 2029 and 2031—are also reportedly in play. These picks, along with three potential pick swaps, make the Lakers a key player in any significant trade discussions.

Among the three players, Rui Hachimura’s inclusion is perhaps the most surprising. Despite some inconsistency, Hachimura has been a reliable contributor since joining the Lakers in 2023. Averaging 12.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game on 51/40/74 shooting splits, he offers solid production for his $17 million annual salary, which runs through the 2025-26 season. His skill set and affordable contract make him an attractive target for other teams.

D’Angelo Russell, on the other hand, has struggled this season, even losing his starting role early on. He’s putting up 12.1 points, 4.8 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per game on inefficient 40.5% shooting from the field and just 30.6% from beyond the arc. Earning $18 million and set to become a free agent next year, Russell could appeal to rebuilding teams seeking a short-term option or a future asset on a cheaper deal.

Gabe Vincent’s inclusion comes as little surprise given his poor start to the season. The guard is averaging just 3.2 points on 34.7% shooting and an abysmal 23.9% from three-point range. Despite his struggles, his $11 million contract through 2025-26 could still interest teams in need of a low-cost bench option. The Lakers clearly aim to maximize their assets and realign their roster in pursuit of a deeper playoff run.