Gabe Vincent's Injury Update: Lower Back Tightness
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The Los Angeles Lakers announced that guard Gabe Vincent is dealing with lower back tightness and will be re-evaluated in one week. This is the latest injury setback for the veteran guard, who was forced to sit out 11 games earlier this season due to an ankle sprain.
Unfortunately, injuries have been the name of the game for Vincent since signing with the Lakers back in 2023. A knee issue ruined his first season with the team as he played in just 11 games after having arthroscopic knee surgery.
Last season was much better, however, as he suited up for 72 games and was one of the more reliable reserves on the Lakers team. This season has been a bit of a mixed bag so far for Vincent as he has had some solid contests, but also many where he has been largely ineffective.
Regardless, he has been a trusted member of head coach JJ Redick's rotation and now he will have to look elsewhere to fill those minutes. Vincent has been one of the better 3-point shooters on the Lakers this season, knocking down 36.2% from deep and with the Lakers already down Austin Reaves, the backcourt rotation is beginning to thin out.
Redick will likely have to turn to a couple of players who have been out of the rotation. Second-year guard Dalton Knecht is one possibility, and he would be the best option in terms of replacing Vincent's shooting.
Not to mention Knecht's confidence could be on the upswing after his excellent showing in the G League a couple of days ago. Two-way player Nick Smith Jr. is also another possibility and has certainly shown the ability to score in bunches when he has been given an opportunity.
Rookie Adou Thiero could also get a look if Redick wants to insert some more defense, energy, and athleticism into the lineup. He hasn't had that breakout moment just yet, but Thiero has shown flashes of the type of player he can be at the NBA level in his limited minutes so far.
Hopefully, this injury is just a minor one for Vincent and he will be back on the court sooner rather than later, but in the meantime, the opportunity is there for someone to step up in his absence. JJ Redick outlines ideal role players to surround Lakers stars.