Being a role player in the NBA is tough. You have limited minutes and are judged on your ability to score on just a handful of shots.
During his six years in the NBA, Gabe Vincent has established himself as a guard who can score off the bench in this league. During his first two years as a Laker, however, it’s been a mixed bag.
His first season, he dealt with a knee injury
that took longer than expected to recover from.Vincent played in just 11 games in that 2023-24 campaign. Last year, he was healthy
but lackluster. He averaged just 6.4 points and his assist numbers dipped down to 1.4, his lowest since the 2020-21 season.
When the Lakers needed to win Game 4 against the Wolves, head coach JJ Redick benched him along with the rest of his reserves and stuck with his starters.
That’s all in the past, though, as a new year means a fresh start.
Now, after a healthy summer and being far removed from his injuries, Vincent has had a strong training camp and has performed well in preseason games.
“Yeah, he’s been fantastic,” Redick said postgame after the Lakers played the Mavericks. “Really, as an on-ball guy. He’s created advantages for us, I think his movement in early offense sets and then his movement in our half-court has been really good. I think he’s pushing himself right now to get in fantastic shape and be able to do that, sustain that, for a longer period. That would be the goal for him.”
Against the Mavericks in Las Vegas, Vincent was the best version of himself. With Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and LeBron James all out, he started and took on the on-ball duties.
He didn’t just deliver, he dominated.
Vincent started the game with not one, not two, not three, but five made 3-pointers.
He scored them in every possible way. First, he had a pair at the top of the key. Then a catch-and-shoot jumper in the slot. Vincent followed that up with one off the dribble on the wing and concluded by hitting another deep three with rookie phenom Cooper Flagg draped over him.
After making the last of his five 3-pointers, he jogged back on defense with undeniable swagger. He stuck his tongue out like Michael Jordan, while his teammates celebrated from the bench and LeBron tweeted from home.
Vincent ended the night with 22 points in 25 minutes as the Lakers fell to the Mavericks.
Results don’t matter at all in the preseason, but Vincent being back to his old self bodes well for him and the Lakers. Even if he won’t usually be starting and running the offense, it’s good to see he can do it in an if necessary situation.
“I think it’s just been a unique situation to where I’ve been able to showcase more of my skill set during this preseason,” Vincent said. “Obviously, when we’re whole, I’m not going to be running the one like that as frequently. We got great players in Luka, LeBron, AR, they’ll probably be featured quite a bit. So, I’ll probably be off the ball a lot more. So when I’m here on the ball, I just want to show my skill set and be aggressive and try to help us win a game.”
The good thing about Vincent is that no one has to worry about him. He is as professional as they come. Whether he is playing well or poorly, he puts in the work, keeps a positive attitude and is ready for whatever comes his way.
If his fantastic preseason turns into a great year, then that gives Redick and the Lakers another guard they can depend on to remain in the rotation.
So far, all signs point to that happening as Vincent is looking more and more like “Miami Gabe” with each passing day.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.
