Lakers Insider: LA 'More Open' to Keeping Gabe Vincent amid NBA Trade Rumors

Los Angeles Lakers point guard Gabe Vincent has been rumored to be a likely trade candidate amid his struggles this season, but one insider suggested that the team could prefer to hold onto him.

During a recent episode of Buha's Block (43:30 mark), The Athletic's Jovan Buha reported, "I think the Lakers are more open to the possibility of keeping Gabe."

The 28-year-old is averaging 4.4 points while shooting 34.6 percent from three-point range. However, he's played better recently, shooting over 60 percent from beyond the arc over the last three games.

Buha noted that Vincent's recent surge could help him stick around in Los Angeles beyond the Feb. 6 trade deadline. However, he also pointed out that Vincent's $11 million salary is one of the contracts the Lakers need to consider moving if they hope to acquire a player who could help them contend for a title.

Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported earlier this month that there's a possibility of Los Angeles "potentially dangling Vincent and future second-round picks to try and land Wizards center Jonas Valanciunas, a coveted Lakers target."

If Vincent continues to prove himself as a reliable contributor, the Lakers could choose to retain him and move other assets as they try to improve their roster.