The Los Angeles Lakers have traded Gabe Vincent along with a 2032 second-round draft pick to the Atlanta Hawks in return for veteran guard Luke Kennard, according to reports from ESPN’s Shams Charania. This deal came just before the NBA trade deadline, marking a notable roster change for both teams.
Atlanta will also receive an $11 million trade exception as part of the transaction, adding more flexibility to their future moves.
Lakers Focused on Future Moves, No More Trades Expected Today
Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times indicated that the Lakers are unlikely to pursue any additional trades on deadline day, with the focus shifting toward making significant roster enhancements during the upcoming summer when more resources will be available.
“The Lakers are not expected to make any more moves today — the NBA deadline for deals is noon PST — and instead look to make a big splash this summer when they have a lot more resources available.”
?Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times reporter
Financial Implications of the Trade for Both Teams
With both Luke Kennard and Gabe Vincent on expiring contracts—Kennard earning $11 million and Vincent $11.5 million—the trade has minimal immediate financial impact for the Lakers. Current salary projections for the 2025-26 season list the Lakers’ payroll with stars like LeBron James ($52.6 million), Luka Dončić ($46 million), and supporting players including Kennard and Rui Hachimura.
Meanwhile, the Hawks’ projected payroll features key contributors such as CJ McCollum ($30.7 million), Jalen Johnson ($30 million), and Gabe Vincent, now part of their backcourt at $11.5 million. Both teams maintain competitive salary structures post-trade.
Context Behind the Trade: Vincent’s Struggles and Kennard’s Shooting Prowess
Gabe Vincent originally seemed like a solid signing for the Lakers, given his strong playoff performance with the Miami Heat in 2023. However, persistent injuries limited his availability to only 11 games this season, and he did not fit well into the Lakers’ strategic plans.
Luke Kennard, on the other hand, offers a proven shooting ability that could benefit the Lakers’ offense. He currently leads the NBA with a 49.7 percent three-point shooting rate, putting him on course for a top-40 percent three-point shooting season for the seventh time in nine years. His skill set appears well suited to complement LeBron James and Luka Dončić.
Potential Impact on Lakers’ Offensive Strategy
By adding Kennard, the Lakers address a clear weakness in three-point shooting; the team ranks 23rd in average three-point shots made per game and 22nd in three-point percentage overall. Kennard’s elite shooting should create additional spacing and opportunities for the team’s star players to operate more effectively on the floor.
Although some fans had wished for a blockbuster trade involving Giannis Antetokounmpo before the deadline, the acquisition of Kennard reflects a more measured approach by GM Rob Pelinka, focusing on immediate needs while planning for bigger moves in the future.
The Los Angeles Lakers are trading Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks for Luke Kennard, sources tell ESPN.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 5, 2026
Lakers find a sharpshooter on the wings for Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and LeBron James while the Hawks land a veteran guard, create a $11 million trade exception and pick up an asset. https://t.co/GIY8HNo0Zp
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 5, 2026
