The Los Angeles Lakers want to amp up their chances of winning their 18th championship after presenting a strong case in the Western Conference Finals in 2022–23. Therefore, adding more defense and shooting for the 2023–24 season seemed tangible when the franchise traded in the former star guard of the Miami Heat. Hence, the Lakers got on board a POA (point of attack) defender, Gabriel Nnamdi Vincent.
There’s no doubt that Gabe Vincent is a brilliant screen navigator, and his physicality just adds to his defensive capabilities. Despite his 6’2 frame, his assist-to-turnover ratio doesn’t take a hit. However, the point/shooting guard was not able to put his prowess on display as he was out most of November owing to a left knee effusion.
While the player recorded minutes in only four games this season, the news of his recent come-back from the injury might help the Lakers. NBA Insider Shams Charania reported on December 11, 2023, that “Guard Gabe Vincent is hopeful for a return as soon as Dec. 18 for the Lakers’ home game against the Knicks, according to league sources. Vincent has been limited to just four games this season because of rehabilitation from left knee effusion. He last played on October 30.”
Guard Gabe Vincent is hopeful for a return as soon as Dec. 18 for the Lakers’ home game against the Knicks, via @ShamsCharania. pic.twitter.com/MEBpy62T1d
— 🎗NBA•Fan🎗 (@Klutch_23) December 11, 2023
The healthy Lakers’ roster might help LeBron James and AD record fewer minutes while making sure that the franchise sustains its winning streak. Just after the Lakers’ swept the In-Season tournament, this update adds to the ‘good news’. However, the question is whether the star guard will find a suitable position to play against the Knicks.
How will Gabe Vincent fit into the Los Angeles Lakers team?
Vincent is about to make his second debut in a face-off against the New York Knicks on December 18. While the player was taking his own sweet time to hit the hardwood again, the Lakers’ roster made it to the first win of the inaugural in-season and now is placed at No.5 in the Western Conference.
To achieve all this, Austin Reaves was put back in the role of the sixth man, and Cam Reddish was moved up to the starting lineup. With such an arrangement, it seems unclear as to what type of role Vincent is bound to have once he returns. Although Vincent could get to play, if the franchise puts Reddish back on the bench, the current four-game winning streak might take a toll.
The situation becomes even graver as the franchise is eyeing a suitable position to trade Zach Lavine. It won’t be surprising if Vincent’s contract might pave the way to trade in a new player while the Lakers take their time to figure out his role on the hardwood.