Lakers summer addition now viewed as a 'negative asset'

Gabe Vincent joined the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent during the offseason. At the time, the move was viewed as smart business by Rob Pelinka. Vincent had played a significant role in the Miami Heat's unlikely charge to the NBA Finals. 

Yet, since joining the Lakers, Vincent has been dealing with injuries, appearing in just five games this season. According to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto, that has led teams around the league to view Vincent as a "negative asset." 

"Gabe Vincent is definitely viewed as a negative asset right now around the league because he’s been hurt, and he hasn’t been able to show if he can fit with the Lakers or not," Scotto said. "There’s also always the stigma that Miami Heat role players are not as good elsewhere, with the exception of Max Strus and the way he’s played for Cleveland."

Vincent, 27, played in 68 games for the Heat last season. He averaged 9.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, shooting 40.2% from the field and 33.4% from 3-point range. He slightly raised that production during the postseason as he stepped into a starting role. 

It's that production that likely enticed the Lakers during the summer. However, his current injury layoff has left the team shorthanded throughout the season. Until Vincent returns to the court and proves he can produce at a consistent level, his value around the NBA will continue to slide. 

Darvin Ham needs his team to be at their best. That means having Vincent back in the rotation sooner rather than later. Fortunately for Vincent, he signed a three-year deal with the Lakers and as such, has plenty of time to rebuild his value. 

Still, Vincent could emerge as an important rotation piece heading into the postseason and will likely want to get back onto the court as soon as possible.