Gabe Vincent Finds Rhythm as Lakers Snap Losing Streak

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Gabe Vincent, the Los Angeles Lakers guard, delivered a standout performance Wednesday night, helping his team secure a 117-108 victory over the Miami Heat at Crypto.com Arena. The win snapped a three-game losing streak for the Lakers, marking a pivotal moment in their season.

Vincent, who has struggled with injuries and inconsistency since joining the Lakers, scored 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including 2-of-5 from beyond the arc, in 26 minutes off the bench. He also contributed four assists, one rebound, one block, and one steal. His recent resurgence has been a bright spot for the team, as he has shot 43.2% from 3-point range over his last 12 games.

“I think there’s a lot of noise around this game. I think there’s a lot of noise around this organization within this league. But I don’t think there’s anything I’ve done more in my life than shoot a basketball. So that’s gonna be the last thing I lose confidence on,” Vincent said after the game. “I’ve taken thousands and thousands of shots over the course of my career, and I know I’m a good shooter. I know I’m capable of shooting the ball. I’ve made big shots in big games. I’ve missed shots too, that’s how the game goes. But the confidence itself never really wavers.”

The Lakers had endured a challenging stretch, with two postponed games and three consecutive losses before Wednesday’s victory. Vincent emphasized the importance of the win, noting the team’s extended break and the emotional boost it provided. “Huge. We had an extended amount of time off, it was like 12 days I think since we won a game, and we only played like two games in that time,” he said. “That’s like college where you have a game a week or two games a week. So very different for us, we’re used to playing every other day. That feeling of winning is everything. It’s kind of like a drug, so to get that feeling back was great for our group.”

Despite his recent uptick in performance, Vincent has struggled with efficiency this season, posting shooting splits of 38.6% from the field, 32.3% from 3-point range, and 50.0% from the free-throw line. However, his improved play in recent weeks has provided the Lakers with a much-needed scoring option off the bench, especially after the departure of D'Angelo Russell.

The Lakers’ front office continues to explore trade options for additional scoring and playmaking help, but Vincent’s recent contributions may alleviate some of the urgency. If he can maintain this level of play, the team may shift its focus to addressing other roster needs as they aim to climb the Western Conference standings.