Gabe Vincent Finds His Groove with Lakers Amid Injuries

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Gabe Vincent, the polarizing player for the Los Angeles Lakers, has finally begun to rediscover his form as he navigates the 2024-25 NBA season. Initially signed for his scoring capability and defensive prowess, Vincent struggled through injuries and inconsistency, but a recent uptick in performance couldn’t have come at a better time for the Lakers.

Vincent, 28, concluded his last season with the Miami Heat averaging 9.4 points, 2.5 assists, 2.1 rebounds, and making 1.7 three-point field goals in approximately 26 minutes per game. His tenure with the Heat showcased his ability to create his own shot while defending effectively on the perimeter. However, his struggles early this season saw him averaging a mere 5.6 points, 1.4 assists, and 1.3 rebounds across 20.2 minutes. Furthermore, he faced criticism for a noticeable reluctance to shoot, diverging from the impact he demonstrated in the 2023 NBA Playoffs.

After failing to score in double digits during his first 19 games, where he averaged just 2.8 points, Vincent has now found a rhythm. In his past 14 appearances, he has increased his production to approximately 8.8 points, 2.5 assists, and 2.1 three-point field goals made in 22.7 minutes of play. His shooting percentages during this stretch have improved to .445 from the field, .365 from beyond the arc, and .750 from the free-throw line.

Vincent has recorded at least 10 points in seven of those 14 games, including a notable stretch of four consecutive games with over 11 points. Despite recent struggles in the offensive department, Vincent’s aggressiveness has shone through, and he has attempted 16 three-pointers over his last three games.

The numbers reveal a clear trend: the Lakers are 9-1 this season when Vincent scores at least 10 points and 12-4 when he attempts a minimum of five three-point shots. This reflects his crucial role in generating offensive pressure against opponents’ defenses and improving overall spacing on the floor.

Vincent’s ability to both drive to the basket and shoot from the midrange expands the Lakers’ offensive options. Moreover, his defensive contributions cannot be overlooked. He has made a significant impact in his defensive assignments, with opponents shooting 2.7 percent worse when he’s the primary defender. The Lakers’ defense has also shown improvement, allowing 2.3 fewer points per 100 possessions when Vincent plays.

Currently, he is converting 38.8 percent of his catch-and-shoot three-pointers, clearly demonstrating that Vincent is back to the caliber of player the Lakers envisioned when they signed him. As he continues to build momentum, the Lakers are optimistic about his contributions in the weeks ahead as the season progresses.