**Good News NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers Linked With \$27.5 Million Indiana Pacers Lottery Pick in Blockbuster 3-Way Deal; Gabe Vincent Key Trade Asset?**

 

The Los Angeles Lakers are once again at the center of NBA trade buzz, and this time the rumors are heating up around a potential **three-team blockbuster deal** involving the **Indiana Pacers’ former lottery pick Jarace Walker**. According to multiple reports, including from international outlets, the Lakers are exploring options to acquire the **\$27.5 million forward**, with **Gabe Vincent** being floated as a **key trade asset** in the potential transaction.

### Lakers Target Youth and Versatility

 

The Lakers have long been searching for younger talent to complement their aging core of **LeBron James** and **Anthony Davis**, and **Jarace Walker** fits the bill. Drafted No. 8 overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, Walker is a 6-foot-8 forward known for his defensive versatility, physicality, and upside on both ends of the floor. Though he played limited minutes with Indiana during his rookie season, scouts around the league still view him as a high-ceiling talent.

 

His **\$27.5 million rookie contract**, spread over four years, makes him both affordable and appealing for a team like the Lakers that’s managing cap space and aiming to build a bridge to the future.

 

### Gabe Vincent’s Role in the Deal

 

To acquire Walker, the Lakers would likely need to part with **Gabe Vincent**, a guard they signed in 2023 on a 3-year, \$33 million deal. Vincent, who showed promise with the Miami Heat during their 2023 playoff run, has struggled in Los Angeles due to injuries and inconsistent play. Still, some teams may view him as a potential buy-low candidate with playoff experience and defensive toughness.

 

Vincent’s salary would help make the financials of the trade work, and in a **three-team scenario**, he could end up with a third franchise looking to absorb his deal while sending assets to Indiana or L.A.

 

### The Three-Team Angle

 

While specifics of the third team haven’t been confirmed, speculation suggests the Lakers are looking for a partner who can either:

 

* Absorb Vincent’s contract in exchange for draft capital or young talent.

* Facilitate a positional need (possibly a backup center) while sending Walker to L.A.

 

This format helps all sides:

 

* The Lakers get a young forward with upside.

* The Pacers clear a logjam at forward and gain flexibility.

* The third team gets a veteran or picks, depending on their direction.

 

### Why This Is Good News for Lakers Fans

 

After a frustrating 2024-25 season and an early playoff exit, the Lakers’ fanbase is clamoring for change. Acquiring a young, high-upside player like Jarace Walker without surrendering a major star could be the perfect blend of **win-now and future-thinking strategy**.

 

Walker’s skillset fits perfectly alongside AD defensively and could thrive in an up-tempo system with LeBron. If Vincent is the key outgoing piece, the Lakers may be improving their roster **without giving up any of their top assets** like Austin Reaves or future first-round picks.

 

### Conclusion

While still in the rumor phase, the Lakers’ reported pursuit of Jarace Walker is an encouraging sign. Adding a former lottery pick on a rookie deal would be a smart move toward balancing short- and long-term goals. If Gabe Vincent helps make it happen, it could be a win-win for all parties involved.