Lakers trade candidate Gabe Vincent booed by home fans following disastrous performance

The Lakers suffered a heavy loss at home, despite strong scoring contributions from Luka Dončić and LeBron James, who combined for 68 points. However, their efforts were overshadowed by a poor team performance and a difficult outing for Vincent.

The 29-year-old guard finished the game scoreless, shooting 0-for-7 from the field, including 0-for-5 from three-point range. His struggles drew boos from sections of the Lakers crowd, reflecting growing dissatisfaction with his form this season.

Vincent has recently been linked with a potential exit from Los Angeles. According to NBA insider Kevin O’Connor, the Lakers are open to trading Vincent alongside Jarred Vanderbilt in an effort to upgrade their forward rotation. However, Vincent’s recent performances have raised questions about his trade value.

O’Connor added that potential targets for the Lakers include New Orleans Pelicans forwards Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones, as well as Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga. He suggested a complex, multi-team scenario could be explored.

“Maybe we’re going to see a situation where Kuminga gets sent to the Lakers for salary filler plus a pick,” O’Connor said. “Then the Warriors send that pick, plus other assets, to go get a Michael Porter Jr. or Trey Murphy III.”

Vincent is under contract with the Lakers until 2026, having joined the club in 2023 on a three-year deal worth around $11 million per season. If the Lakers fail to find a suitable trade partner, he could become a free agent in the summer. This season, Vincent is averaging 5.4 points and 1.4 assists per game, while shooting 36.5 percent from the field.

Following the loss to Charlotte, the Lakers have dropped four of their last five games. They now sit at 24–15, remaining fifth in the Western Conference, though the gap to the top four continues to widen. Their upcoming schedule includes games against the Portland Trail Blazers (18 January), Toronto Raptors (19 January), Denver Nuggets (21 January) and the Los Angeles Clippers in the city derby on 23 January.