In the offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers signed former Miami Heat guard Gabe Vincent to a three-year, $33 million contract. After contributing much success to the Heat’s playoff run to the Finals, the Lakers wanted to make a move in free agency. Unfortunately, due to a continuous injury to his knee this season, Vincent has only been able to suit up for five games. Fortunately, it didn’t lead to needing surgery, and the Lakers look forward to getting Vincent back on the floor soon. Recovery has reportedly been going well, and he is expected to return around early March.
Lakers Rumors: Gabe Vincent To Return By Early March
Update on Vincent’s Knee Injury
After playing a few games at the beginning of the season, Vincent had been diagnosed with knee effusion. This ultimately sat him out for a handful of games into December. Vincent was eyeing a return in the month and returned on the court in late December against the Chicago Bulls on restricted minutes. But his knee continued to bother him. Vincent sat out another handful of games, hoping surgery wouldn’t be needed. Ultimately, it continued to affect his ability to be on the court. His recovery has been on schedule over the last several weeks, and Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports is reporting he’ll return by sometime in March.
“Lakers guard Gabe Vincent, who’s become included in Los Angeles’ ongoing trade talks, sources said, appears on track to return by early March. Vincent underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee during the final days of December. He was given an 8-10 week recovery period and has so far been recuperating on schedule, sources said”.
Gabe Vincent is expected to be out for one more month, per @JakeLFischer
“Lakers guard Gabe Vincent, who’s become included in Los Angeles’ outgoing trade conversations, sources said, appears on track to return by early March. Vincent underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left… pic.twitter.com/kzRBiTrNPY
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 5, 2024
The Importance and Value of Vincent
Vincent was vital to the historic run the eighth-seeded Heat had this past playoffs. Ultimately leading to a tragic finals loss against the Denver Nuggets, Vincent also shined in the regular season. He averaged 10.8 points in 34 games as a starter in the regular season. His playoff burst gave him value and worth as a key role player. He averaged 12.7 points and 3.5 assists while shooting 37.8% from three in the postseason. But the statistics and numbers don’t show enough as to how important Vincent is as a role player to any team. He possesses much grit and determination and gives maximum effort on both ends of the floor. The Lakers will look forward to getting Vincent back in their rotation.
The Last Word
The news that Vincent will return by early March is great for Lakers basketball. They will need his impact for the stretch of games remaining and to make noise in the postseason. Vincent’s previous expertise on Miami has shown his value and that he is not afraid of big moments in the playoffs. The injury list has certainly not been helpful for this Lakers team throughout the season. Ultimately, with key role players getting back to full strength, hopefully, everyone can stay healthy alongside captains LeBron James and Anthony Davis in hopes of getting the franchise to lift another Larry O’Brien trophy.
