Jevon Carter could be a solid pickup for the Lakers amongst all the Gabe Vincent trade rumors. He could either be Vincent’s replacement or added depth in the backcourt.
Shams Charania reported that Chicago is waiving Carter to create roster space as part of a multi-team deal. His availability is something the Lakers should take advantage of.
The Bulls are waiving guard Jevon Carter to create space for Saric, sources said. They emerged as a third team and received assets to consummate the trade. https://t.co/yzzxYA8I2X
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 1, 2026
Vincent’s expiring contract has made him one of the Lakers’ most valuable assets, which is why his name has appeared in most trade rumors. He also hasn’t played very well in the eyes of Laker fans, making him one of the players Lakernation is ready to move on from. Jevon Carter could step in seamlessly and fill Vincent’s role.
Jevon Carter on Defense
Carter’s calling card is relentless point-of-attack defense. He pressures the ball early, fights over screens, and disrupts timing before actions even develop. He plays with an edge, stays engaged possession to possession, and doesn’t need extra motivation to stay locked in. He has the skillset that Gabe Vincent was theoretically supposed to be bringing to the Lakers, but it hasn’t panned out that way.
His Offensive Fit
Again, his profile is very similar to Vincent’s. He’s comfortable spacing the floor, relocating, and taking catch-and-shoot threes without hesitation. He’s also able to step in on closeouts and hit the mid-range shot.
Familiar Weaknesses
Like Vincent, Carter is undersized. Bigger guards can shoot over him, and he’s not finishing through contact at the rim. He’s not a creator and won’t bend defenses off the dribble. If his jumper goes cold, his offensive impact drops quickly.
Ideally, he would be playing limited minutes. He shouldn’t be expected to carry the second unit, but instead help them stay afloat while the shot creators are off the floor.
Worth Monitoring
Even if the Lakers don’t end up trading Vincent, Carter is still a name worth considering. Carter is a legit NBA guard who can help bolster the Lakers’ guard rotation. As currently constructed, after Gabe Vincent, the Lakers have only Bronny and two-way players at guard.
The Bottom Line:
Jevon Carter isn’t the headline move that would turn this roster around. But ideally, signing him would be a move in addition to another trade. But even if it was a singular move, it would still help improve this team.
