With Gabe Vincent playing a career-high 72 games, the Lakers guard finally found his footing in Los Angeles.
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.
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