NBA – 4 Potential Departures the Lakers Could Make This Summer?

Par Mathieu Seguin | Rédacteur sport

A wind of change is blowing through Los Angeles, and some familiar faces may soon be packing their bags. This offseason is shaping up to be crucial for the Lakers, who are determined to reshape their roster around LeBron James and Luka Doncic. As trade rumors intensify ahead of the Draft, both financial and performance-related concerns are reigniting debates about several underperforming players.

According to an analysis circulating on social media, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, and Maxi Kleber are set to cost the Lakers a combined $52.3 million next season. Yet, their on-court production this past year has been valued at just $17.7 million. In short, each of the four significantly underperformed relative to their contracts — something fans have not overlooked.

@Tim_NBA : “Rui, Vando, Vincent, & Kleber are on the books for $52.3M next season. They produced just $17.7M collectively in on-court value this past season. Each of the 4 underperformed their individual deals for the year.”

Could the Lakers be preparing to move on from them?

The goal is clear: acquire a true center to anchor the paint and add size and defensive versatility on the wings. Targets like Nic Claxton, John Collins, and even Andrew Wiggins have already been floated. To get deals done, a package built around Rui, Vincent, Vando, and Kleber could appeal to a rebuilding franchise.

Another major factor is the Lakers’ financial situation. With the potential to dive deep into the luxury tax under new ownership, the franchise may be willing to spend big to surround its stars with talent. But in order to justify such investments, they’ll need to shed inefficient contracts. Flipping underperforming assets into more impactful short-term pieces would be a logical strategy to realign the payroll and upgrade the roster.

At the heart of all this is the LeBron James–Luka Doncic duo. With two superstars in their prime, the Lakers can’t afford a transitional year. Every move this summer must be made with a single goal: to win. Time is ticking, and the new front office seems to know it. In that sense, the next few days could mark the beginning of a major roster shake-up.

Frustration among fans is already apparent, especially after the disappointing 2024–25 campaign and early playoff exit. Now under the leadership of Mark Walter, the Lakers’ new ownership appears ready to make bold decisions. Things are about to get interesting.