3 Lakers players fans don’t want to see on the roster after the trade deadline

On paper, the Los Angeles Lakers are having a solid season. Sitting at 21–11 and fifth in the Western Conference, the results suggest stability. But for fans watching every night, the cracks are becoming harder to ignore — particularly on the defensive end.

With the trade deadline approaching, questions are mounting about which direction Rob Pelinka and the front office will take. If the decision were left to Laker Nation, these three players would likely be the first names mentioned in trade talks.

Deandre Ayton

The early optimism is gone.

After a promising start that made him look like the ideal center fit, Deandre Ayton has slid back into the same frustrating patterns that followed him in Phoenix and Portland. The talent is undeniable — and that’s exactly what makes the situation so disappointing.

Ayton flashes his skill with smooth midrange jumpers and the occasional reminder of why he was the No. 1 overall pick in 2018. Then the effort fades. Missed box-outs, passive post play, and stretches where he looks disengaged have once again become common.

Finding a trade partner won’t be easy. Ayton is now on his third team, and the same issues have followed him everywhere. Any deal would require another front office convincing itself that it can unlock something the others couldn’t — a gamble many teams may be hesitant to take.

Dalton Knecht

This wasn’t how it was supposed to go.

Dalton Knecht quickly won over Lakers fans early in his career, but his momentum has completely stalled. The situation wasn’t helped by last season’s bizarre sequence in which he was traded to the Charlotte Hornets, only to be sent back shortly after — a move that understandably seemed to affect his confidence.

There’s still belief in Knecht’s long-term NBA value. Despite defensive limitations, his shooting upside keeps him relevant. The problem is that it hasn’t translated consistently in Los Angeles.

He looks hesitant on the floor, and the numbers haven’t justified regular minutes — just 34% from three-point range this season. A change of scenery may be best for both sides, and his age and potential should still generate interest around the league, even if the return isn’t substantial.

Gabe Vincent

In theory, Gabe Vincent fits exactly what the Lakers need: a defensive-minded guard who can handle the ball, knock down shots, and stabilize bench units.

In reality, it hasn’t clicked.

Across more than two seasons in Los Angeles, Vincent hasn’t been consistent enough as a shooter or reliable enough as a secondary playmaker. While he hasn’t been outright poor, the fit has always felt awkward.

Unlike Ayton, Vincent should be relatively easy to move. Packaging him with Knecht — or another rotation piece — could help the Lakers target a defensive-minded big or a better-fitting role player.

Few would be surprised if Vincent thrives elsewhere, becoming the player the Lakers hoped they were signing. It just never fully came together in purple and gold.

A deadline that could define the season

The Lakers aren’t in crisis mode, but the margin for error in the Western Conference is slim. Defensive issues and roster imbalance continue to show up against quality opponents.

Whether Pelinka makes a bold move or opts for smaller adjustments, one thing is clear: patience is wearing thin. For many fans, these three players represent the clearest opportunities for change — and the trade deadline may determine whether the Lakers’ promising record can translate into a real playoff run.