Gabe Vincent Continues To Excel For The Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers signed Gabe Vincent ahead of the 2023-24 season after having a successful stint with the Miami Heat, particularly in 2021-22 and 2022-23. On July 6, 2023, he would sign a three-year, $33 million contract with the purple and gold. Unfortunately, he would be limited that season and only play in 11 games (as well as five playoff games) due to a knee injury. After undergoing arthroscopic surgery, he would recover in the offseason and has been in hot pursuit of a redemption year since then. Vincent has capitalized on the increased playing time by stepping up his game with some excellent performances.

Gabe Vincent Continues To Excel For The Lakers

Ideal Complement To The Lakers Playmakers

Gabe Vincent has had a more reliable season compared to last, making him a primary 3-and-D option either off the bench, or in the starting lineup. When taking a look at the current roster on hand, a healthy Lakers team is going to play through Luka Dončić, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves. These are the primary ball handlers who capitalize on making plays and finding their teammates for wide-open looks.

A player like Vincent has complemented his strengths well with Dončić, James, and Reaves, especially with Vincent’s increased usage on catch-and-shoot threes. The three utilize their playmaking in drawing several defenders to them, which ultimately leads to finding Vincent for a wide-open three. Vincent is currently shooting 34.1 percent from beyond the arc as a whole and even more efficiently on his catch-and-shoot threes. He is also knocking down 39.1 percent of his catch-and-shoot threes, including 41.1 percent  since January 1. With his increased playing time as a role player for the Los Angeles Lakers, we can expect his role to continue to excel and play a prominent part in the team’s success moving forward. His 3-and-D capabilities as a player mesh well with the current roster and are continuing to grow. The hope is for Vincent to continue this level of play into the playoffs.

Capitalizing on Increased Playing Time

The Lakers would make a pivotal trade at the deadline that shocked the internet. The Lakers received Dončić, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris, while Dallas acquired Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and the Lakers’ 2029 first-round pick. One can argue that this trade is playing a factor into Vincent’s increased minutes and his role being amplified. Vincent’s resurgence has played a meaningful role in Los Angeles’s rise in the Western Conference. His return to form over the past month-plus is an important part of why the team is having a lot of success.

Vincent, as of recent looks, looks like the player he was in his final season with the Miami Heat. He is confidently hunting his offense by taking step-back, pull-up, and catch-and-shoot shots, all while bringing the intensity on the defensive end. His pedigree as a defender is well-established from his time with the Miami Heat, and is now transferring that value to Los Angeles. With Christie out of the lineup, Vincent has capitalized with his increase in minutes. Seeing more playing time under head coach JJ Redick has helped him to gain chemistry and confidence within himself and the team.