Lakers Dangle Rui Hachimura Gabe Vincent Maxi Kleber at Deadline

The Lakers are shopping for "3-and-D wing help" ahead of February’s trade deadline and have "dangled the expiring contracts of Rui Hachimura ($18.26 million), Gabe Vincent ($11.5 million), and Maxi Kleber ($11 million) on the trade market." Hachimura is the most valuable piece, averaging 12.6 points and 43.9 percent from three, while Vincent has struggled at 5.6 points and 1.4 assists and Kleber is a deep rotation option. Los Angeles appears willing to move salary to add shooting and perimeter defense around its stars. Merlin sees a front office choosing small, surgical fixes over a blockbuster. With limited assets, the Lakers will chase a reliable role wing who fits next to LeBron and Anthony Davis rather than trading for a new superstar. If Hachimura is traded, expect a clear signal that defense and spacing are the priority.