Heat playoff hero gives Lakers upgrade at point guard

On June 30, the Los Angeles Lakers signed Gabe Vincent to a three-year, $33 million deal. Vincent is fresh off an NBA Finals appearance with the Miami Heat. The former undrafted guard was among Miami's star performers during Miami's playoff run. 

In 22 postseason games, Vincent averaged 12.7 points, 3.5 assists, and 1.4 rebounds, shooting 40.2% from the field and 37.8% from deep. With Kyle Lowry no longer the dominant offensive force he once was, Vincent stepped into Miami's starting point guard role. 

The Lakers will be hoping Vincent can sustain his level of play from last season. Dennis Schroder has left Los Angeles to join the Toronto Raptors as they look to replace Fred VanVleet, who signed a deal with the Houston Rockets. Los Angeles is yet to make a decision on whether to bring D'Angelo Russell back or whether to let him leave in free agency.

Whatever the Lakers decide to do with Russell, they will likely be pleased with the addition of Vincent. The California native spent time as the Heat's starting guard and as a primary ball-handler off the bench. As such, Vincent will likely have no problem filling either role for the Lakers. Furthermore, Vincent will be a welcomed addition to Los Angeles' perimeter defense, which struggled at times last season. 

Schroder may be the better offensive player, but his perimeter defense leaves a lot to be desired. Schroder is also more ball-dominant than Vincent. LeBron James and Anthony Davis require the lion's share of touches in the Lakers' offensive system. Vincent has proven capable of impacting games without the ball, either as an inverted screener, catch-and-shoot threat, or rip-through driver. 

The Lakers have upgraded their backup point guard position, not so much in talent, but certainly in fit and hustle. Still, it will be interesting to see what happens with Russell and whether the Lakers look to pursue another guard as his potential replacement. Regardless, Vincent could be seen as one of the steals of free agency, in what would be another win for Rob Pelinka.