Lakers adding Spencer Dinwiddie via the buy-out market complicates things for Gabe Vincent

Vincent was the lead ball-handler for the Miami Heat team that made a Cinderella run to the NBA Finals last season. He joined the Lakers during the summer. However, injuries have limited his ability to prove he can help the team contend for a championship this season. He has played five games this season and has been on the team's injury report since Nov. 1. 

Dinwiddie brings size, scoring and playmaking to the Lakers. He can play either guard position. He will likely operate at both spots on the floor throughout the rest of the season. Vincent could still earn himself a role in Ham's rotation. However, given the length of time he's been out, it does look unlikely he will be a significant part of the team's postseason plans. 

It's worth noting that Vincent signed a three-year deal with the Lakers in the summer worth $11 million per year. Unless the front office plans to trade him in the offseason, Ham may need to find a spot for him once he's healthy. However, a playoff rotation is usually only eight players deep. As such, Vincent will need to prove he's a more impactful player within the team's system than Dinwiddie. 

Yet, in order to prove his value, Vincent needs to be on the court. His injury issues have hampered his debut season in Los Angeles. With Dinwiddie's arrival, they could be what cost him a chance at cementing himself as part of Ham's primary rotation. 

Vincent has a fight on his hands, and it's a fight he never intended to have to deal with. Unfortunately, that's part of the job when you're playing for a contender. It will be interesting to see who wins that minutes battle once the playoffs begin.