The Los Angeles Lakers are discussing a trade that would bring Malik Monk back to the roster. The framework being circulated sends Gabe Vincent and Jarred Vanderbilt to the Sacramento Kings, with rookie Devin Carter possibly included.The timing lines up for both sides. Los Angeles is off to a 16-6 start but still lacks steady bench scoring. Sacramento is 5-17 and facing questions about fit, money, and direction as the February 5 deadline approaches.
Why the Los Angeles Lakers are interested
The Los Angeles Lakers’ second unit has struggled to score. Vincent has not been reliable after injuries, and Vanderbilt’s value comes almost entirely on defense. The need is clear: points when the starters sit.Monk fills that gap. He can score quickly, shoot from deep, and has already played well next to LeBron James. In his previous season with the Lakers, he averaged 13.8 points per game and was a regular part of closing lineups.
How the trade works financially
Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Lakers (Image via Getty)
Gabe Vincent’s expiring $11.5 million deal and Jarred Vanderbilt’s three-year, $48 million extension combine to about $81 million in outgoing salary. Malik Monk is in the second year of a four-year, $78 million contract, earning $18.7 million this season.For Sacramento, the appeal is flexibility. Vanderbilt adds defense and rebounding. Vincent’s deal comes off the books soon. Including Carter would help balance value while allowing the Kings to move off Monk’s long-term contract.
Contract overview
| Player | Contract | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Malik Monk | 4 years, $78M | Second year, $18.7M |
| Gabe Vincent | Expiring | $11.5M |
| Jarred Vanderbilt | 3 years, $48M | Defense-focused role |
| Devin Carter | Rookie deal | Perimeter defender |
On-court impact
For the Los Angeles Lakers, Monk becomes the main scorer off the bench. His shooting helps spacing and reduces pressure on the starters. The cost is losing Vanderbilt’s defense, especially against bigger lineups.For the Kings, Jarred Vanderbilt helps a defense that has leaked points. Vincent provides guard depth without long-term commitment. The downside is losing one of their few players who can create his own shot.
Stat snapshot
| Player | PPG | APG | RPG | FG% | 3P% | Games | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malik Monk | 13.0 | 2.5 | 2.1 | 43.5% | 41.1% | 23 | 27 |
| Gabe Vincent | 4.0 | 1.9 | 1.0 | 31.7% | 34.4% | ~17 | 29 |
| Jarred Vanderbilt | 4.6 | 1.1 | 5.6 | 48.8% | 28.1% | Limited | 25 |
Vanderbilt numbers reflect prior season use due to a reduced role.
Trade balance
Los Angeles Lakers gain
• Reliable bench scoring • Familiar fit with LeBron James • Clear upgrade on offense
Los Angeles Lakers lose
• Defensive range and rebounding • Added long-term salary
Sacramento Kings gain
• Defensive help in the frontcourt • Future cap flexibility • Roster reset option
Sacramento Kings lose
• Shot creation • Limited offensive upside from replacementsAlso read: NBA trade rumors: Golden State Warriors predicted to cut ties with $9.13 million star guard to bolster rotation and improve title oddsThis deal favors the Lakers if they want to push now. Monk addresses their biggest weakness without touching the core. For the Kings, it is a step back in scoring but a step toward flexibility. Whether it moves forward depends on how much value Sacramento places on Monk versus a reset around defense and contracts.