During the offseason, Gabe Vincent signed a three-year contract worth $33 million with the Los Angeles Lakers. Following his success and run with the Miami Heat, the Lakers viewed him as a top priority to help their backcourt. Due to a knee injury, Vincent has only played six total games this season. Last year in Miami, he put up a career-high points with 9.4 per game and improved this to 12.7 points per game in the post-season.
Lakers’ Gabe Vincent Return from Knee Injury
Lack of Play this Year
Vincent had played the first four games of the regular season until his knee started to bother him. He wouldn’t play another game until December 20th of last year. After that game, his knee continued to bother him as he would have arthroscopic surgery on the 27th. Since then, Vincent hadn’t played or logged a single minute on the court or even any action in practice. With his knee injury continuing to heal, we finally got some updates over the last month. Vincent, progressing to get back out on the floor, made his return yesterday against the Brooklyn Nets.
Vincent’s Production vs Nets
Considering it was Vincent’s first game back in several months since his knee surgery, Lakers faithful wasn’t quite sure as to how productive he was going to be. But, we were all excited to see him back out on the floor. Vincent logged 14 minutes with 2 points, one rebound, two assists, and a steal. Not quite the productivity that we were looking for, but it’ll be a matter of minutes logged for Vincent to get back to his normal self. Vincent is a star in his role and that is helpful to any team. It isn’t just about his scoring from the perimeter the Lakers are looking for. They signed him knowing his ball knowledge, defensive prowl, and game-winning sacrifices and plays that he makes. With the play-in tournament around the corner, getting these remaining games under Vincent’s belt will be key to getting his confidence back.
Gabe Vincent Talks on His Return
Vincent spoke with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin prior to last night’s win over the Brooklyn Nets.
“I wouldn’t step on that court if I didn’t feel like I could help my team win games. So whatever the role may be, whatever the minutes may be, that’s not for me to decide,” said Vincent.
Gabe Vincent is available to play for the first time since Dec. 20. “I wouldn’t step on that court if I didn’t feel like I could help my team win games,” he said before the game in BKN. “So whatever the role may be, whatever the minutes may be, that’s not for me to decide.”
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 31, 2024
With a lack of productivity and uncertainty with his role, Vincent still stays ready. He knows what he can bring on both ends of the floor. He was a vital component to the run the Miami Heat had and knows he can help this Lakers team to a big postseason run.
Miami Production Transferring Over for the Lakers
Last year heading into the postseason, Gabe Vincent had to step up in regards to Victor Oladipo and Tyler Herro getting injured. Vincent averaged 12.7 points and 3.5 assists per game in the postseason. Vincent is a combo guard. He helped the Miami Heat organize the offense, be an irritant defensively, bring energy, and help facilitate and run the team. These aspects of Vincent’s game are something the Lakers could absolutely use going into the postseason. If, of course, they are to make it out of the play-in tournament. Being a 3-and-D player that Vincent is, can be crucial in the playoffs bringing out the best on both ends of the floor. It’s not to say that Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell can’t defend. However, players like Gabe Vincent who can guard primary ball handlers will be beneficial in slowing down offenses and teams’ primary scorers. This is something that the Lakers have been missing greatly and look forward to implementing as Vincent garners more minutes over these several games left.
Last Word
New story: Gabe Vincent is back, giving the Lakers added depth with the postseason fast approaching https://t.co/MOXxOvyVs0
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 1, 2024
With Gabe Vincent finally returning after only playing five games this season, don’t look at his performance last night as a deal breaker. For Darvin Ham, it is going to be difficult to find the perfect rotation and minutes for Vincent to be out on the floor. The lack of consistency with Vincent being sidelined is something that’ll be figured out over the remaining seven games. Once Vincent has logged more minutes alongside the other Lakers and gets back into the swing of things, he can possibly be a key vital piece for this Lakers team. The hope is the game-changing plays and defense that he brings will translate over for the Lakers.
