Lakers rumors: LA targeting key Heat starter in free agency

With their season over, the Los Angeles Lakers reportedly could be looking at signing a key Miami Heat starter this offseason.

The Los Angeles Lakers put up as much of a fight as they could against the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals, but it wasn’t enough as they were swept in four games. Now, the Lakers have a lot to figure out this offseason. Will LeBron James return for the 2023-24 season? Can they re-sign Austin Reaves?

One Western Conference general manager told Heavy.com’s Sean Deveney a potential free agent the Lakers could target is Miami Heat guard Gabe Vincent.

“Gabe Vincent from Miami, he is a free agent and could be had at a decent number,” the general manager said. “It is hard to figure where he ranks as a shooter, and the Heat might go out of their way to keep him, but he’s the kind of fit they need there in LA.”

Lakers to target Heat guard Gabe Vincent this offseason

The Lakers signing one of the top performers in this year’s NBA playoffs?

Vincent is in his fourth year with the Heat after signing with the team as an undrafted free agent out of UC Santa Barbara. Through four regular seasons, Vincent averaged 7.7 points, 2.3 assists, and 1.7 rebounds, all while putting up a 39.9 field goal percentage and 33.9 three-point percentage.

But in this playoff run, Vincent has stepped up to become one of the Heat’s most reliable players. In Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics, Vincent scored a team-high 29 points while making 11-of-14 field goal attempts and 6-of-9 three-point shots in the 128-102 victory. He did miss out on Game 5 of this series due to a left ankle sprain.

Through 16 playoff games (all of which were starts), Vincent averaged 13.3 points, 3.9 assists, and 1.8 rebounds while shooting 40.9 percent from the field and 38.2 percent from the three-point line.

Whenever the Heat’s playoff run reaches its end, they will have to concentrate on retaining numerous players set to become free agents. Will the Heat be able to re-sign Vincent, or are they at risk of losing him by signing with another team like the Lakers?