The Los Angeles Lakers’ early-season injury woes continue. Guard Gabe Vincent is expected to miss between two and four weeks after undergoing an MRI on his left ankle, according to reports from ESPN’s Shams Charania and Dave McMenamin. TNT’s Chris Haynes added that Vincent sustained a “slight ligament tear” along with a sprain, while The Athletic’s Dan Woike noted the guard was in a walking boot and using crutches ahead of Monday’s matchup against Portland.
A Tough Break for a Key Contributor
Vincent, 29, had just earned the starting nod for head coach JJ Redick after an impressive preseason in which he averaged 16.3 points and shot 55.6% from three-point range. Through three regular-season games, however, he struggled to find that same rhythm, going 2-for-10 from deep before suffering the injury during Sunday’s win over the Sacramento Kings.
“He’s one of those guys you can trust — a steady presence who impacts both ends,” Redick said during training camp, praising Vincent’s leadership and work ethic.
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Vincent’s first season in Los Angeles was derailed by a lingering knee issue that limited him to only 11 appearances. He rebounded last year with 72 games played, averaging 6.4 points on 35.3% shooting from three while providing defensive stability and veteran poise.
Lakers’ Depth Tested Early
Vincent’s setback couldn’t come at a worse time. The Lakers entered Monday’s game with seven players unavailable, including LeBron James (sciatica), Luka Dončić (finger, leg), Marcus Smart (quad), and Jaxson Hayes (ankle). Redick will now have to rely on younger guards like Dalton Knecht, Bronny James, and two-way players Nick Smith Jr. and Chris Manon to fill the void.
While Vincent isn’t a star, his absence is significant — particularly for a Lakers team already searching for offensive balance behind Austin Reaves, who’s averaging a scorching 34 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 9.7 assists through three games.
Vincent is in the final year of his three-year, $33 million contract, earning $11.5 million this season before entering unrestricted free agency next summer.
Looking Ahead
For now, the Lakers will hope their guard rotation can tread water while Vincent recovers. As Redick put it recently, “You can’t replace guys like Gabe with one player — it has to be collective.”
