When Gabe Vincent signed with the Lakers in the summer of 2023, the idea was that he could be a good shooter while providing a strong defensive presence in the backcourt on the other end of the floor.
However, due to a left knee effusion injury, Vincent only played in 11 games for the purple and gold in 2023-24. The hope was that this season, Vincent would be healthy and able to contribute in year two of his deal.
He did just that, playing in 72 games this season, a new career high. His averages were respectable, scoring 6.4 points and shooting 35% from 3-point range, his second-best average from deep in his career.
After the Lakers lost Game 5 against the Wolves, which ended their season, Vincent spoke about his health and ability to contribute to the team’s success.
“I was able to play a full year,” Vincent said. “I think last year, being injured, playing only in a handful of games, it was great to put together a full season. I had some stretches where I found some good rhythm. I would loved to have more of an impact tonight and this series as well. Season didn’t end the way I wanted to either.”
Vincent was one of the players watching in Game 4 as JJ Redick made zero substitutions in the second half, so it’s hard to knock his play much during L.A.’s playoff series.
Overall, Vincent was healthy and a solid contributor to the team. He makes the right plays, can knock down open jumpers and now that he’s healthy, Vincent is a player you can depend on.
Vincent’s resurgence is excellent for his career and the Lakers. The best ability is availability, and given his bounceback year and team-friendly contract, Vincent is now a player the franchise can rely on to be a net positive for next season.
Entering this summer healthy and entering a contract year, hopefully, the best is yet to come from Vincent as a Laker.
