Help could be on the way for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Gabe Vincent, who has barely been able to play for them, is inching closer to a return.
According to a report by Shams Charania of The Athletic, the former Miami Heat guard will join the team during the road trip, and he could be back on the floor as early as Sunday vs. the Brooklyn Nets.
Lakers guard Gabe Vincent is scheduled to join team during current road trip and is expected to be available to play vs. the Nets on Sunday barring setback, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Vincent has been out since Dec. 20 due to knee surgery. pic.twitter.com/qIWF6mbHJB
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 28, 2024
Vincent went under the knife because of a knee injury, and he hasn’t suited up since December 20.
He has been ramping up his recovery for the past couple of weeks.
He was an instrumental part of the Heat’s trip to the NBA Finals last season, playing pesky and physical backcourt defense, and hitting big shot after big shot, especially from beyond the arc.
His role on Darvin Ham’s team, however, might be cloudy at this point.
D’Angelo Russell has been on a tear for most of the season, and he’s established himself as the undisputed starter after a shaky start to the season.
The Lakers also signed Spencer Dinwiddie, who has been getting more confident and settled within the team’s offensive scheme as of late.
Of course, none of them give the Lakers much on defense, and that’s when Vincent’s arrival could become valuable for this team, especially in the playoffs when rotations get shorter and versatility is king.
The Lakers also hope to get Jarred Vanderbilt back on the floor at some point, but it seems like he’s still more weeks away from returning.
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