The Indiana Pacers head into the 2025-26 season riding the momentum of their first NBA Finals trip since 2000. They battled through an uneven start, finished 50-32, and pushed the Oklahoma City Thunder to a Game 7. But the road ahead looks tougher. Tyrese Haliburton, their All-Star floor general, tore his Achilles in the Finals and will sit out the entire year. Myles Turner has departed for Milwaukee, leaving holes in leadership and rim protection. To adjust, Indiana needs to rethink its roster, and moving Aaron Nesmith could become part of that plan.
Aaron Nesmith to the Lakers: Potential Trade Idea
Lakers Receive: Aaron Nesmith
Pacers Receive: Gabe Vincent, 2031 first-round pick
This trade gives Indiana future assets and backcourt depth while allowing Los Angeles to add a reliable wing to bolster its championship aspirations.
Aaron Nesmith’s Value
Aaron Nesmith established himself as one of the NBA’s top 3-and-D wings. He put up 12.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game last season while shooting 50.7 percent from the field, 43.1 percent from three, and 91.3 percent at the line. His shooting, energy, and defensive flexibility give any playoff team a valuable piece.
He proved his ability to deliver in big moments when he drilled six straight threes in the Eastern Conference Finals to fuel a comeback win. Still, his game has limits. He doesn’t create well in isolation or set up teammates, and his aggressive defense often leads to foul trouble. With Bennedict Mathurin emerging as a reliable scorer, Indiana can afford to move Nesmith and take advantage of his strong trade value.
Why the Pacers Should Move On
Indiana gains flexibility to reshape its roster and timeline by trading Aaron Nesmith. The deal brings in a future first-round pick and veteran guard Gabe Vincent, giving the Pacers a reliable backcourt option while adding a long-term asset that could pay off later.
Gabe Vincent’s Fit in Indiana
Gabe Vincent injects toughness, defensive energy, and playoff experience into Indiana’s lineup. Standing 6’3” with a 6’7” wingspan, he uses his grit to hound ball-handlers and disrupt offenses, while thriving offensively as a complementary piece. He runs pick-and-rolls effectively, fires quickly off the catch, and carries the leadership he built during Miami’s playoff runs. He doesn’t serve as a primary creator, but his hustle, defensive edge, and reliable scoring strengthen the Pacers’ rotation and give their backcourt the stability it needs.
Impact for the Lakers
The Lakers would strengthen their wing rotation by adding Aaron Nesmith. His elite shooting gives LeBron James and Luka Doncic more room to operate, and his ability to defend multiple positions helps cover Los Angeles’s struggles against quicker guards and wings. With his energy, shooting, and playoff experience, Nesmith could raise the Lakers’ ceiling in the West.
A Win-Win Scenario
This trade helps both sides, though the Lakers come out slightly ahead by landing a versatile two-way player who fits their championship push. Indiana, on the other hand, gains future assets and roster flexibility while keeping its wing depth intact. The Pacers set themselves up for the long term, while the Lakers secure a perfect complement to their stars. Both teams address their needs, even if their goals move in different directions.
