Gabe Vincent Returns for Lakers Against Jazz After Ankle Injury

LOS ANGELES – Gabe Vincent is back on the court for the Los Angeles Lakers after missing 11 games due to a left ankle sprain. The guard, who last played on October 26 against the Sacramento Kings, is set to bolster the Lakers’ backcourt in their matchup against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday.

The 29-year-old Vincent has not played in over three weeks and was officially cleared to return to action. He is expected to take on a reserve role behind fellow guards Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, as the Lakers look to manage his minutes to allow him to ramp up following his injury.

This season, Vincent has averaged 24.0 minutes per game, contributing 3.7 points, 1.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while struggling with a shooting percentage of 23.1 from the field and 20 percent from three-point range. His performance has been limited due to his early-season injury but there is hope he can improve upon these numbers now that he is back.

Vincent has had a challenging tenure with the Lakers; he missed almost the entire first season with a knee injury but saw improvements last year, playing 72 games with averages of 6.4 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists. This season, if he remains healthy, he could still cross the 70-game mark despite the setbacks.

Meanwhile, Lakers superstar LeBron James is still listed as questionable for the game. After being sidelined since the start of training camp, James participated in shootaround on Tuesday, raising hopes for his return in what would be his 23rd NBA season—a new record. If he plays, he may have a minutes restriction as he eases back into game shape.

As both Vincent and potentially James take the floor, expectations remain high for the Lakers, who currently hold a strong position in the season with a record of 10-4. Vincent expressed optimism about contributing to the team’s success, stating, “I’m ready to get back on the court and help the team win.”